Como announced their arrival on the Champions League stage in emphatic fashion, defeating RB Leipzig 4-1 in their first-ever match in UEFA's premier club competition.
The Italian side, managed by former Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fàbregas, produced an impressive performance at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia to secure a memorable victory on their European debut. Reuters described the result as a “dream Champions League debut” for the club.
.webp "Como Make Champions League History With Stunning Win Over RB Leipzig")
Como took the lead in the 15th minute when Martin Baturina found the net, giving the hosts a perfect start to a historic evening. The midfielder also played a key role in the second goal, setting up Anastasios Douvikas, who doubled Como's advantage before half-time.
The home side continued to control the contest after the break and extended their lead through Assane Diao in the 54th minute. Leipzig responded four minutes later through Andrija Maksimovic, but the German side could not build enough momentum to complete a comeback.
Como eventually restored their three-goal advantage in the final minute of normal time when Máximo Perrone completed the scoring. The result gave Fàbregas' team all three points and capped a remarkable first night in European football.
The victory is another milestone in Como's rapid transformation. UEFA noted that the club were playing in Serie D as recently as the 2018/19 season, before rising through the divisions and reaching Serie A. They finished fourth in Italy's top flight last season, their highest-ever league position, to qualify automatically for the Champions League.
Fàbregas has played a central role in that development. The former Spain international, who has more than 100 Champions League appearances as a player, is now leading Como in their first European campaign as a coach. Before the Leipzig match, he described the fixture as an important moment for the club's history.
For Leipzig, the result represents a disappointing start to their return to the Champions League. The German club were unable to contain Como's attacking threat and now face an early challenge to recover points in the league phase.
Como's next Champions League fixture will be away to Feyenoord on October 14, followed by a home meeting with Manchester United on October 21.
The result may prove to be one of the most memorable nights in Como's history, but Fàbregas and his players will now face the challenge of maintaining their impressive level against Europe's established clubs.