De Roon ends Batistuta record against Real Madrid

Marten de Roon scored against Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico, bringing an end to a historic record associated with Batistuta. That gave his goal added significance: the record had stood in the Italian capital for more than 23 years. The evening continued, however, without Roma holding on to the advantage for long.

Two minutes after De Roon’s goal, Kylian Mbappé brought Real Madrid level. In the 23rd minute, he took advantage of an error by Mario Hermoso before shooting from near the edge of the area. The equaliser put the teams back on level terms, just after De Roon’s goal had made the record the defining feature of the occasion.

Together, the two moments gave the match particular significance: a record that had lasted for more than two decades was ended, and Madrid responded quickly. De Roon’s goal will therefore be remembered both for the mark it surpassed and for the equaliser that followed. For Roma, the joy sparked by his goal lasted only two minutes.