Como just wrote themselves into Champions League history, and the man behind the magic is Cesc Fabregas. In their first-ever appearance on Europe’s biggest stage, Como thrashed RB Leipzig 4-1 at a sold-out Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, and the football world is still talking about it.
Como’s Champions League Debut Was Nothing Short of Perfect
This was not a nervy underdog performance. Como dominated from the opening whistle, creating six big chances to Leipzig’s two and winning the expected goals battle comfortably, 2.30 to 1.42. Martin Baturina opened the scoring in the 15th minute, becoming just the second Croatian player to score on Champions League debut,
before Anastasios Douvikas and Assane Diao turned a good night into a statement one. Maximo Perrone rounded off the scoring late on, capping a display that had the whole stadium on its feet.
What makes this even sweeter is who scored the goals. Every single one came from a player who was already at the club last season, proof that Fabregas is building something sustainable rather than simply buying results.
Making History for Italian Football
Como’s win was not just historic for the club, it was historic for Italian football as a whole. They became just the fourth Italian side ever to win their Champions League debut, joining an elite list that includes Juventus, AC Milan, and Udinese. They also became only the second Italian club to score four or more goals in a first-ever European Cup appearance, matching a feat last seen when Sampdoria beat Rosenborg back in 1991. On top of that, Como were the only Italian team to win on Matchday One this season, a remarkable feather in the cap for a club that only returned to Serie A a few years ago.
Fabregas Stays Grounded Despite the Euphoria
True to form, Fabregas refused to let the occasion turn into a celebration lap. “I am happy, but it will only last five minutes, because then we have to prepare against Parma on Monday, and we need the same energy as tonight,” he told Sky Sport Italia. He acknowledged the magnitude of the moment for the city and the club while immediately turning attention back to Serie A. “Serie A remains the most important target. It is, after all, what allows you to get back into the Champions League.”
That mentality, humble yet demanding, has become the hallmark of his management since retiring at Como and stepping straight into the dugout. Having previously worked under top-level environments at clubs like Chelsea and Barcelona as a player, Fabregas is clearly translating that pedigree into results.
Why This Win Matters for Como’s Season
Como enters this new European chapter with genuine momentum, sitting on seven points from their first three Serie A matches and now boasting a signature European result to match. For a club that only returned to Italy’s top flight a short time ago, competing at this level, and winning convincingly, signals that the project built around Fabregas and the club’s ownership is exceeding expectations.
The message from the Como camp is clear. This is not a one-off fairytale night. It is a young, ambitious team with a coach who refuses to get carried away, and that combination could make this Champions League campaign one worth watching closely all season long.
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