Former Roma and Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello has stated that Roma's defeat to Manchester United caused him more pain than losses suffered with Real Madrid, even when the Spanish side fielded average players. Capello, who managed Roma from 1999 to 2004 and Real Madrid in two separate spells, made the comparison in comments reported by Football Italia on November 4, 2026.
The Italian coach did not specify which particular Roma vs Manchester United match he was referencing, though the two clubs have met several times in European competition, notably in the Champions League. Capello's tenure at Roma included a Serie A title in 2001, while his Real Madrid spells yielded two La Liga championships.
