The Great Fall of Madrid

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

And just as Juventus, Arsenal and Bayern Munich did before, Roma knocked Europe’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 (US$183 million) in the off-season to end its continental funk.

Manager Bernd Schuster felt it was money well-spent, judging by his team’s effort against a very “organised” Roma.

“To me it’s not a loss. The ball just didn’t go in,” the German said. “For the difficulty of the rival… I can’t ask for more.”

Ramon Calderon was rather more blunt when speaking to Cadena Ser radio. “It was undoubtedly a collapse. We can’t hide from that. But it’s the fourth straight year that it’s happened to us so it’s nothing new,” the Madrid president said. “We played better there and lost. We played worse here and lost.”

Strong defence

Roma played defensively throughout to protect its 2-1 first-leg lead, disrupting Madrid’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.

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

By the time Madrid responded, it was too late against the poised Serie A team. “They are a very intelligent team. It’s not like the players didn’t want to score; they didn’t allow us,” Schuster said.

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

“We need to reflect. We were missing a lot tonight,” the Italy captain said. “We lacked intensity and desire.”

Missing men

Madrid, which was a perfect 3-0 at home in Europe entering Wednesday’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 Europe’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

• 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

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

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

• Injury time: GOAL! Mirko Vucinic’s close-range header wraps it up for Roma and the Galacticos are out of Europe