Como's Champions League Debut Shines, 4 Goals Crush RB Leipzig
On Thursday, Como Football Club hosted Bundesliga powerhouse RB Leipzig at their home ground, the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, in the opening round of the Champions League group stage, securing a resounding 4-1 victory and earning a historic debut win in their first-ever European campaign. Martin Baturina, Anastasios Douvikas, and Assane Diao all found the net within the first 60 minutes, giving the Serie A side managed by Cesc Fàbregas an early three-goal advantage. Before stoppage time, a goal from Massimo Perrone sealed the 4-1 scoreline, sending the entire squad into celebration.
Speaking after the match, man-of-the-match Baturina reflected: "This evening was simply magnificent for the club and the city." Due to the Champions League's stringent stadium capacity requirements, Como's home ground underwent temporary modifications, accommodating only around 10,000 spectators. The 119-year-old club, under Fàbregas's leadership last season, secured fourth place in Serie A, edging out Juventus and AC Milan to claim the final Champions League spot. Fàbregas, who previously played for Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona, is renowned for his goal-scoring ability and won the 2010 World Cup with Spain.
Discussing the coach's tactics, Baturina stated: "He gives me a great deal of freedom. Sometimes he's a bit displeased with my positioning, but he favors this style because it produces beautiful football. We play with boldness and fearlessness." The team's attacking output is largely driven by 22-year-old playmaker Nico Paz (on loan from Real Madrid) and Greek striker Douvikas. The opening goal was a product of their fine combination: Paz laid the ball off to Douvikas on the right, then received a cutback pass, slipping near the penalty spot before quickly regaining his feet and slotting the ball precisely into the bottom-left corner between two defenders.
Baturina is excited about Como's European prospects: "This is just the beginning; we must maintain our momentum. The Champions League is spectacular, with clashes of different styles making outcomes unpredictable, so we need to take it game by game." As a sign of respect, Como's club invited several veteran fans to attend the match. Chairman Mirwan Suasso and several directors voluntarily gave up their seats to supporters born in 1950 or earlier, enabling them to enter the sold-out game. "We are deeply honored to give up our seats for them," Suasso wrote on social media. When Baturina scored Como's first-ever Champions League goal in the 15th minute, these veteran fans watched the pitch with immense pride.