Como beats RB Leipzig 4-1 in Champions League debut at Stadio Sinigaglia

Debut victory at Stadio Sinigaglia

Como defeated RB Leipzig 4-1 at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia on 10 September 2026 in their first Champions League fixture. The Italian club secured three points in the opening round of the competition's league phase, becoming the only Italian side among four participants to win their match. Manager Cesc Fabregas fielded four tournament debutants in the starting lineup, selecting forward Tasos Douvikas over Moise Kean to lead the attack alongside Martin Baturina and Assane Diao. Midfielders Lucas Da Cunha and Alex Milla returned to the starting lineup after resting during the previous domestic match in Genoa. Club president Mirwan Suwarso provided seats in the honorary box to local supporters over the age of 75 for the occasion.

Five goals decide the contest

Baturina opened the scoring in the 15th minute, converting with his right foot after Leipzig defender Ridle Baku failed to clear a low cross from Douvikas. Como goalkeeper Jean Butez denied an equalizer from Maksimovic in the 35th minute before Douvikas extended the advantage in the 38th minute from a central through pass by Baturina. Douvikas and Nico Paz combined in the 54th minute to set up Diao, who beat Leipzig goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoort with an angled right-footed strike inside the penalty area. Maksimovic scored for Leipzig in the 58th minute with a left-footed shot into the top corner following a pass from Christopher Nkunku, which came moments after Da Cunha missed an open goal. Substitute Máximo Perrone scored the fourth goal in the 90th minute by finishing a low pass from Nico Paz.

Tactical freedom and squad valuation

Following the match, Fabregas addressed tactical choices on television alongside Thierry Henry, explaining his philosophy on giving attacking players room to roam.

“When I started coaching I thought I could manage everything. In these years I have understood and accepted that I cannot.”

The Spanish manager also discussed transfer spending on television in response to remarks from commentator Marco Bucciantini. Fabregas argued that acquisition fees for young players reflect potential rather than excessive cost, citing the sums paid for his forwards.

Nico Paz6

Assane Diao11

Tasos Douvikas12

Nico Paz

6 €M

Assane Diao

11 €M

Tasos Douvikas

12 €M

Data from the article text

He noted that the club paid 6 million euros for Paz, 11 million euros for Diao, and 12 million euros for Douvikas, explaining that his coaching staff focuses on developing their abilities on the pitch.

Post-match reactions and analysis

Pundit and former manager Fabio Capello offered a critical evaluation of Nico Paz during the post-game broadcast on Sky Italia despite the playmaker providing two assists. Capello argued that the midfielder was not yet in optimal physical shape and demanded higher standards during a direct exchange in the studio.

“When you do not play in an exceptional way I am not happy. Tonight you played a game not up to your standard despite the two assists, you can give even more.”

Paz responded directly to Capello during the broadcast, explaining that tight defensive marking restricted his possessions in advanced areas before he shifted to defensive duties late in the match. The playmaker recorded 70 ball touches and three shots during the match before assisting Perrone for the final goal. The result places Como on three points in the Champions League standings, while Leipzig leaves Italy with zero points.