Como marked their first appearance in UEFA competition with a stunning 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Thursday.
Martin Baturina, Tasos Douvikas, Assane Diao and Máximo Perrone scored at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia as Cesc Fàbregas’ side produced a memorable night in front of their home supporters.
Como had never played in a UEFA competition before this season. Their fourth-place finish in Serie A last season secured automatic qualification for the Champions League, making them one of four debutants in this season’s league phase.
They needed only 15 minutes to make history.
Baturina started the move and then finished it himself after Douvikas’ roll across from the right was intercepted. The Croatian midfielder created space with a dummy before drilling the ball into the net from 12 yards.
Leipzig threatened to respond. Antonio Nusa tested Jean Butez, while Andrija Maksimovic forced another strong save from the Como goalkeeper.
Instead, Como doubled their advantage in the 38th minute.
Baturina produced another excellent pass from inside his own half, sending Douvikas through behind the Leipzig defence. The Greek forward held off Castello Lukeba before finishing confidently.
Como continued to punish Leipzig after the break.
Nicolás Paz released Diao down the right in the 54th minute. With Leipzig expecting a cross, Diao instead fired into the net from a difficult angle to make it 3-0.
Leipzig pulled one back four minutes later when Christopher Nkunku intercepted a loose pass from Paz and found Andrija Maksimovic, who fired into the corner from outside the box.
The goal gave Leipzig a brief opening, but Como remained dangerous.
Nico Paz came close to restoring the three-goal advantage before eventually creating the fourth in the final minute. He combined with substitute Moise Kean before slipping a perfectly weighted pass through to Máximo Perrone.
Perrone rounded the advancing goalkeeper and calmly finished with his left foot to complete a remarkable victory.
Como’s next European test comes away to Feyenoord on October 14.
