Flavio Roma reveals Monaco's secret weapon against Galácticos: 'Madrid played like PlayStation, but we had Pintus'
Former Monaco keeper recalls the famous Champions League upset over Real Madrid's Galácticos and weighs in on their upcoming clash with Los Blancos.
A fascinating glimpse into one of the Champions League’s great upsets as former Monaco goalkeeper Flavio Roma dishes the dirt on how they toppled Real Madrid’s Galácticos in that memorable 2004 quarter-final.
The Galáctico Killers
It’s not every day you knock out a Madrid side featuring Zidane, Figo, and Ronaldo, but Roma and his Monaco teammates did exactly that. Despite falling to a 4-2 defeat at the Bernabéu in the first leg, Monaco staged an incredible comeback in the return fixture to progress to the semi-finals.
“In Madrid they played like on the PlayStation,” Roma recalls, offering a rare insight into facing that star-studded lineup. The Italian keeper, who spent much of his career at Monaco and still lives in the principality, remembers the intimidation factor of the Bernabéu.
“Already in the tunnel, when you see Figo, Zidane, Ronaldo…” he explains. “Figo would drive you mad, putting in 40 crosses, 20 feints…”
The Pintus Factor
What was Monaco’s secret weapon against Madrid’s superstars? According to Roma, it was their superior physical condition – courtesy of fitness coach Antonio Pintus, who ironically now works at Real Madrid after joining with Arbeloa.
“We were much more powerful physically,” Roma states. “I think we imposed ourselves physically in both matches. In that sense, we were absolute beasts.”
Didier Deschamps, Monaco’s manager at the time, instilled belief in his squad despite facing “the best team in the world.” Roma reveals Deschamps told them to enjoy the occasion and that they had nothing to lose – a mentality that clearly paid dividends.
The Morientes Subplot
The tie had added drama with Fernando Morientes, on loan from Madrid, playing against his parent club. Roma suggests the Spanish striker had mixed emotions about the draw but ultimately proved decisive.
Morientes scored a crucial late goal in Madrid and another in the return leg to help eliminate his employers. Roma observes that after the second leg, Morientes was “happy but also a bit sad for his ex-teammates” – torn between professional achievement and personal connections.
Looking Ahead to Tuesday’s Clash
With Monaco set to face Real Madrid again, Roma offers his thoughts on the current iteration of Los Blancos compared to the Galácticos.
“Right now, I don’t think there are as many phenomenons,” he says, noting the departures of players like Cristiano and Benzema. “Now they have Mbappé, who is extraordinary, but it’s difficult to win with just Kylian. You need a great team behind him.”
On Madrid’s recent coaching change, Roma is philosophical: “It’s a double-edged sword. They’ll come out with lots of desire… Although mid-season changes don’t usually go well, I believe they’re always capable of winning the Champions League.”
The former keeper also rates Courtois among the world’s best, alongside Donnarumma – high praise from someone who knows a bit about keeping goal at the highest level.