Como made a memorable Champions League debut by beating RB Leipzig 4-1 in their opening league-phase match at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.
Martin Baturina and Tasos Douvikas put the Italian side two goals ahead before half-time, while Assane Diao and Maximo Perrone added further goals after the break to complete a historic night for the club on the shores of Lake Como.
After waiting 119 years to play their first European match, Como needed only 15 minutes to make their mark. Baturina opened the scoring in front of around 11,000 supporters.
Como’s Champions League debut against Leipzig
Douvikas drove into the penalty area before cutting the ball back, but Leipzig defender Ridle Baku could not clear. Baturina recovered after slipping inside the box and found the net to score Como’s first-ever goal in European competition.
The roles were reversed in the 38th minute. Baturina sent Douvikas through on goal, and the forward calmly finished past Maarten Vandevoordt to give Como a 2-0 lead.
Cesc Fabregas’ team continued to control the match after the interval. Senegal winger Diao finished from a tight angle across Vandevoordt, while captain Lucas da Cunha missed an excellent opportunity to add another.
Leipzig eventually pulled one back through Andrija Maksimovic, whose first-time effort from the edge of the box reduced the deficit. Perrone then restored Como’s three-goal advantage in the 90th minute to complete the 4-1 victory.
Como’s rapid rise to European football
The Champions League appearance capped a remarkable rise for Como, who have secured European football after a difficult period in their history. The Lombardy-based club went bankrupt twice during the past two decades.
Como ended a 21-year wait to return to Serie A in 2024, achieving promotion after three promotions in six seasons.
Under former Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona midfielder Fabregas, the club finished fourth in Italy last season. That result secured their place in this season’s Champions League.
Como prepare for their next European fixture
The historic European debut was played in front of a sold-out crowd. Before the match, club president Mirwan Suwarso and several directors announced plans to give away their seats so elderly supporters could attend.
Como will play their next European fixture away from home, travelling to Feyenoord on 14 October.
RB Leipzig’s next European match will come a day earlier, when the Bundesliga club hosts PSV Eindhoven.