Cesc Fabregas and his Como team produced a stunning performance to beat Manchester United 4-1 in the UEFA Champions League at home.
Nico Paz scored twice and provided an assist as Cesc Fabregas’ side dominated Michael Carrick’s team at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia in Italy.
Manchester United struggled to deal with Como’s attacking play and defensive pressure. Joshua Zirkzee scored a late goal for the visitors, but it was not enough to prevent another painful result for the English side.
United had an early chance to take the lead when Diogo Dalot received a cross from Matheus Cunha inside the box. However, the defender failed to hit the target, sending his left-footed shot wide.
The host punished United almost immediately. In the second minute, Lucas da Cunha helped create the opening for Nico Paz, who moved the ball onto his left foot before curling a fine finish into the net.
Goalkeeper Senne Lammens had little chance of stopping the effort which saw the scoreline became 1-0 under just 3 minutes played between both teams.
United tried to respond, but their attacking moves lacked the quality needed to trouble Como consistently. Harry Maguire also missed an opportunity when he headed Bryan Mbeumo’s cross wide.
Como continued to find space in the visitors’ defence. Tasos Douvikas missed a good chance in the 39th minute, shooting over the bar from inside the box.
He later went down during an attack involving Lammens, but the offside flag spared United further trouble which could have easily been a penalty.
Manchester United made two changes at half-time, bringing on Amad Diallo and Carlos Baleba in place of Cunha and Andrey Santos. However, the changes failed to improve the team’s performance.
Como scored their second goal in the 49th minute to make it 2-0. Paz delivered a perfectly timed through ball behind the United defence, allowing Douvikas to run clear and finish past the advancing Lammens.
The home side continued to attack with confidence. Lucas da Cunha missed another chance in the 54th minute when his left-footed shot went wide from inside the box.
Three minutes later, Paz scored again to make it 3-0. Baleba lost possession near the right touchline, allowing the Argentine midfielder to take control of the ball and drive towards goal.
Paz carried it forward before finishing with his left foot to complete an outstanding solo effort which increased the scoreline to 3-0 as play carried on.
United had opportunities to reduce the deficit. Amad Diallo failed to connect with Bruno Fernandes’ pass inside the box and later saw another attempt pushed over the crossbar.
The host sealed their impressive victory in the 76th minute. Substitute Kaiki Bruno made a strong run down the left before delivering a cross into the penalty area.
Defender Jacobo Ramon rose above the United defence and headed the ball past Lammens to make it 4-0 as play continued between both teams for the evening.
Manchester United had no answer to Como’s movement and passing. Their defence repeatedly allowed the Italian side to create dangerous openings.
Zirkzee eventually scored a consolation goal in the first minute of stoppage time. The substitute controlled Amad Diallo’s cross before finishing from close range to make it 4-1.
The match finished with Como taking all three points after full time. They delivered a 4-1 victory against Manchester United who continue to see everything go wrong for them this season.
Referee Sven Jablonski oversaw the match, with Carlos Baleba among the United players booked during the second half. United’s missed chances, including efforts from Dalot and Maguire, proved costly, while Douvikas also wasted opportunities before scoring.
The host’s attacking quality and organised performance made the difference. Paz was the outstanding player, contributing two goals and an assist, while Douvikas and Ramon completed the scoring.
The defeat increased the pressure on Carrick, whose side continued their poor run of results. Como, meanwhile, celebrated a memorable Champions League victory that showed their ability to compete against one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
