Como delivered one of the most remarkable results in Champions League history with a 9-1 thrashing of Lens, becoming only the second team ever to score nine goals in a single European Cup match.
The victory underscores the Italian club's meteoric rise under head coach Cesc Fabregas, who has guided them from promotion to Serie A to a top-eight position in the Champions League after four matchdays, outperforming giants such as Barcelona, Manchester City, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Inter, Roma and Napoli on points and goal difference.
The architect: Cesc Fabregas
Fabregas joined Como as a player before retiring and beginning his coaching career with the Under-23 side. In three years as first-team head coach he has secured promotion, a 10th-place finish in his debut Serie A season and Champions League qualification in his second full campaign. His tactical identity — built around attacking football and an intense high press — has produced some of the league's most entertaining performances. Fabregas, also a minority shareholder, rejected interest from Inter in summer 2025 to continue a project that president Mirwan Suwarso says gives the coach full backing for his vision.
Star performer: Nico Paz
Argentine midfielder Nico Paz epitomises Como's transfer strategy. After an initial €6 million permanent move from Real Madrid in 2024 that included a 50% sell-on clause and buy-back options, Como made his stay permanent in summer 2026 for a club-record €60 million, while Real Madrid retained an option to re-sign him in 2027 for €80 million. Paz chose to stay despite the chance to return to Madrid, and has since become a leading figure for Argentina following Lionel Messi's international retirement. In four Champions League appearances he has contributed three goals — including a brace against Manchester United — and five assists.
With a clear long-term vision and a model that retains key figures, Como are no longer just dreaming of trophies — they are actively building a team capable of winning them.
