Como's Meteoric Rise Sees Them Rout Manchester United in Champions League Clash

Serie A side Como delivered a stunning performance, teaching Manchester United a lesson with a 4-1 thrashing in a Champions League match at the picturesque Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium. The victory marks a significant milestone for Como, a club that has rapidly ascended from the amateur ranks of Serie D to competing on Europe's biggest stage.

Nico Paz was instrumental in Como's triumph, scoring twice and assisting another goal. The 22-year-old Argentine international has been a standout performer for Como since joining from Real Madrid in 2024. His nine goal involvements in eight appearances this season, comprising four goals and five assists, place him ahead of any other Serie A player in all competitions since the start of September. Paz's performance also made him the youngest Argentine player to be involved in three goals in a single Champions League game since Lionel Messi in 2009.

"He's been absolutely brilliant in everything that he has done," commented Glenn Hoddle on TNT. "A lot of his play has been creative and risky, but he's pulled it off."

For Como, this victory represents the pinnacle of their recent success. "It's Manchester United. We are only just getting our heads around the fact we are playing Inter, Milan and Juventus," said one club staff member. "This is without doubt the biggest night in the club's history."

The club's journey has been remarkable. As recently as 2017, Como was in Serie D. The club's revival began when it was acquired by Indonesian billionaires Robert Budi Hartono and Michael Bambang Hartono in 2019. Their initial vision involved a TV project screening matches of young Indonesian players, but the club's unexpected promotion changed the trajectory.

Under the management of former Barcelona and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, Como has undergone a dramatic transformation. Fabregas, who transitioned from player to coach at the club, steered them to fourth place in Serie A in the 2025-26 season, securing Champions League qualification. This rapid ascent from Serie B to the Champions League in just five seasons under Fabregas' influence has captured global attention, with even Lionel Messi's son Ciro being pictured wearing a Como kit.

Fabregas described the current era as "another world" compared to his playing days. "Compared to when I finished my career here, it is completely different. It is not even night and day. It is another world," he stated. "Playing Manchester United is a historic day once again for the club, the city of Como and fanbase. We need to be humble and remember who we were because the story of Como will be beautiful, and we will remember it forever."

Despite their rapid rise, Como faces challenges, including scrutiny over UEFA's financial regulations and the limitations of their stadium. Chief executive Mirwan Surwaso expressed confidence in the club's financial standing, stating, "The scrutiny is on us but we always have our books in order, so we are not too worried." Fabregas emphasized the need for the team to remain focused on future performance rather than dwelling on past achievements: "We were at minus 10 when we started, but we don't want to spend time thinking about what has passed. If you want to do that, retire and go write a book about what Como did. We must look at what is in front of us."

The club's unique setting on the shores of Lake Como, with its blend of sporting ambition and tourist appeal, has also become a talking point. Fans, both long-standing and new, express deep loyalty and pride in the club's journey. "The Premier League is my inspiration and to face one of the top three or four biggest clubs in the world, it's a big honour," said local fan Federico Borghi, who has supported the club through its ups and downs.