Como have emerged as one of the surprise packages of the UEFA Champions League, sitting among the competition's top performers after four matchdays. Only Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Arsenal have collected more points, while the Italian side boasts a superior goal difference to Barcelona, Manchester City and Liverpool, and more points than Bayern Munich, Inter, AS Roma and Napoli. The statement result came on November 4, 2026, when Cesc Fabregas's team recorded a 9-1 away victory over Lens, just the second nine-goal haul in a single Champions League fixture.
Fabregas's Coaching Project
The Spanish head coach joined Como as a player before retiring and beginning his managerial career with the club's Under-23 side. In three years as first-team boss he has secured promotion to Serie A, a 10th-place finish in his debut top-flight season and Champions League qualification in his second. Fabregas has instilled a clear tactical identity built on attacking football and an intense high press, delivering some of the most entertaining football in Serie A. His philosophy is backed by the club's ownership; Fabregas is also a minority shareholder. When Inter approached him to replace Simone Inzaghi in the summer of 2025, both club and coach agreed to continue together. President Mirwan Suwarso has acknowledged that further offers will arrive, but the environment at Como — where Fabregas's decisions are concretely supported — is rare.
Nico Paz's Impact and Transfer Details
Argentine midfielder Nico Paz epitomises Como's recruitment model. After an initial permanent move from Real Madrid for €6 million in summer 2024 — which included a 50% sell-on clause, a matching-right clause and re-sign options at €9 million, €10 million and €11 million over three years — Como made his stay permanent in summer 2026 for around €60 million, a club-record fee. Real Madrid retained an option to reacquire him in summer 2027 for €80 million. Paz chose to remain despite the chance to return to Madrid, signalling belief in the project. Since Lionel Messi's international retirement earlier this year, Paz has become a new face of the Argentina national team. In his first four Champions League appearances he has contributed three goals, including a brace against Manchester United, and five assists.
Winning trophies is no longer just an ambition for Como; it is becoming the club's next objective, and the night against Lens serves as proof of that trajectory.
