Como Mark Champions League Debut With Stunning 4-1 Win Over RB Leipzig
Como announced themselves on the Champions League stage with a 4-1 home demolition of RB Leipzig in their first match in the competition.
The newly upgraded Stadio Sinigaglia hosted a night the club’s supporters will not forget, with the summer renovation allowing the ground to meet UEFA requirements. Como were in control for long spells against experienced continental opposition.
Quick facts
- Como beat RB Leipzig 4-1 in their Champions League debut.
- Martin Baturina, Tasos Douvikas, Assane Diao and Maxi Perrone scored for the hosts.
- Andrija Maksimovic struck Leipzig’s only goal.
- Como were the only Italian winners on Champions League Matchday 1.
Baturina set the tone by opening the scoring and also delivered an important assist. Douvikas and Diao added further goals before substitute Perrone completed the four-goal display.
All four Como scorers had played a role in securing the club’s place among Europe’s elite last season. For many in the squad, it was also a first appearance in European football.
Leipzig briefly had a moment of quality through Maksimovic, whose spectacular strike gave the visitors a consolation. It did not alter the direction of a match dominated by the Italian side in front of a packed home crowd.
Nico Paz was at the heart of Como’s performance and said the occasion justified his decision to remain at the club despite interest in a summer move. The former Real Madrid prospect said he believed Como offered him the best environment to develop.
“It was a historic night,” Paz said after the final whistle. “We played an incredible match, we were hugely excited for it and we are very happy. These were the nights that made me want to stay. I knew I could grow most here, and I feel I made the right decision.”
Paz reserved particular praise for Baturina, saying the midfielder identified the space Leipzig left available and exploited it superbly. He also admitted Como had to dig in after reaching a 3-1 advantage, with the hosts spending more of the second half defending.
“I do not know where the energy came from for that late assist,” Paz added. “I had to find something extra.”
The result carried added weight across Italy. Inter and Napoli both lost their opening fixtures, while Roma drew 1-1 with Fenerbahce, leaving Como as the country’s sole winners on Matchday 1.
