The Great Fall of Madrid

Madrid hit back soon after though, as Raul got to Robinho8217;s pass in the 75th to beat goalkeeper Alexander Doni to the right side. But Vucinic knocked in substitute Christian Panucci8217;s cross two minutes into injury-time for the winning goal.

And just as Juventus, Arsenal and Bayern Munich did before, Roma knocked Europe8217;s greatest team out of its top competition on its home turf.

Six-year rut

Six years removed from its record ninth European Cup title, Madrid spent over euro120 million US183 million in the off-season to end its continental funk.

Manager Bernd Schuster felt it was money well-spent, judging by his team8217;s effort against a very 8220;organised8221; Roma.

8220;To me it8217;s not a loss. The ball just didn8217;t go in,8221; the German said. 8220;For the difficulty of the rival8230; I can8217;t ask for more.8221;

Ramon Calderon was rather more blunt when speaking to Cadena Ser radio. 8220;It was undoubtedly a collapse. We can8217;t hide from that. But it8217;s the fourth straight year that it8217;s happened to us so it8217;s nothing new,8221; the Madrid president said. 8220;We played better there and lost. We played worse here and lost.8221;

Strong defence

Roma played defensively throughout to protect its 2-1 first-leg lead, disrupting Madrid8217;s passing and rhythm, and set up chances on the counterattack. The Spanish champion had possession but lacked the creativity up-front to break through the defense, with Robinho blunted outside the area and Raul Gonzalez neutralized within.

8220;It was a collective effort,8221; Roma coach Luciano Spaletti said. 8220;We controlled well with intentions of taking the game. My team responded to the challenge.8221;

By the time Madrid responded, it was too late against the poised Serie A team. 8220;They are a very intelligent team. It8217;s not like the players didn8217;t want to score; they didn8217;t allow us,8221; Schuster said.

Center back Fabio Cannavaro pointed to a poor start, when Madrid enjoyed possession but rushed too quickly for a result.

8220;We need to reflect. We were missing a lot tonight,8221; the Italy captain said. 8220;We lacked intensity and desire.8221;

Missing men

Madrid, which was a perfect 3-0 at home in Europe entering Wednesday8217;s match, missed injured Dutch trio Ruud van Nistelrooy, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder, while right back Sergio Ramos was suspended for the match.

Another early exit from Europe8217;s top club competition could lead to more changes.

Madrid has publicly shown interest in Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Cesc Fabregas, though all three are committed to long-term contracts with their respective clubs.

So now, as usual, the team shifts back to the Spanish league where it still holds a five-point advantage over Barcelona.

Highlights Madrid vs Roma, Bernabeau

8226; 71st minute: RED CARD: Pepe is shown a red card after picking up his second booking for a barge just outside the box, right on the byeline

8226; 73rd minute: GOAL! Real defenders are like statues as Max Tonetto8217;s cross is headed home by Rodrigo Taddei to give Roma a 1-0 lead

8226; 75th minute: GOAL! Raul looks offside but completes a grandstand finish as Madrid eqaulise

8226; Injury time: GOAL! Mirko Vucinic8217;s close-range header wraps it up for Roma and the Galacticos are out of Europe