Nico Paz produced a magical display in Como’s 4-1 Champions League win over Manchester United. His two goals and an assist gave the Italian side a night to remember and left United in more trouble.
The result stretched United’s winless run in all competitions to seven matches. They have drawn three and lost four in that spell.
Nico Paz Sets the Tone in a Historic Debut Against English Opposition
This was Como’s first competitive meeting with an English club, and the occasion could hardly have started better. At Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, the hosts took the lead inside two minutes.
Lucas Da Cunha found Paz just inside the box. The Como playmaker curled a beautiful finish into the far corner and sent the home crowd into early celebration.
United have made a habit of this in the competition. It was the second game running in which they conceded inside the opening two minutes.
Como Chase Another Italian Milestone
Como wanted more than a good start. They were chasing a record: no Italian side had won its first two home games in the Champions League since Lazio in 1999/00.
They played like a team that knew it. The hosts stayed on the front foot and kept pushing United back.
Maguire Keeps United Alive
Martin Baturina had a golden chance to double the lead. Harry Maguire denied him with a brilliant last-ditch challenge, and it was one of the few United moments worth praising in the opening half.
United Struggle to Find a Response
The visitors never settled in the first half. Anastasios Douvikas tested Senne Lammens with a low effort that the United goalkeeper saved at the near post.
The Greek striker was wasteful with his next chance. He fired it over the bar only minutes later.
United did put some pressure on Como before the break. Matheus Cunha tried his luck from distance, but his speculative shot drifted harmlessly over, and Como went into the interval with a deserved lead.
Second Half Brings More of the Same
Cesc Fabregas’ side came out as sharply as they had started the game. The second goal arrived in the 49th minute.
This time Paz created it. He threaded a clever pass into the path of Douvikas, who opened his body and swept a clinical finish into the corner past Lammens.
Nico Paz Doubles His Tally
Eight minutes later, the influential Paz scored again. Substitute Carlos Baleba made a mistake, and Paz pounced on it.
He raced clear of the United defence and slotted the ball coolly into the bottom corner. It was a ruthless finish, and it left United with a heavy deficit.
Damage Limitation for United
With the contest slipping away, United’s focus shifted to limiting the damage. Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo both threatened from range during the final half-hour, but neither could find a way through.
Ramon Adds the Gloss
Como were not finished. In the 76th minute, Kaiki delivered an inch-perfect cross.
Jacobo Ramon was unmarked in the six-yard box and headed it home. The goal made it 4-0 and underlined how comfortable the night had become for the hosts.
Zirkzee Offers Late Consolation
Michael Carrick’s men did restore a little respectability in stoppage time. Joshua Zirkzee scored with a well-taken finish.
It changed little. The goal did nothing to dull the shine of Como’s victory.
What the Result Means in the Champions League
Como now have two wins from their first three games in their maiden Champions League campaign. They sit three points ahead of United.
For Fabregas’ team, it is a statement of intent on the European stage. They look comfortable among the continent’s established names, and this win gives them real momentum.
United’s concerns are growing. The winless run has reached seven matches, and conceding early goals in consecutive Champions League games is a worrying pattern. Carrick will want answers quickly.
Man of the Match: Nico Paz
There was only one choice for the individual award. Nico Paz was named Man of the Match after scoring twice and creating the second goal for Douvikas.
He opened the scoring with a curling strike and later punished a United mistake. In between, he showed his vision with the pass that set up Como’s second. He was involved in three of the four goals, and it was a complete attacking performance.