Champions League: Como thrash Manchester United 4-1

With a dazzling Nico Paz, Como thrashed Manchester United 4-1 on the third matchday of the league phase

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Champions League: Como thrash Manchester United 4-1

21.10.26 FT Champions League

Como

Manchester United

In their first European campaign, Como dominated Manchester United at home, thanks in particular to a brace and an assist from Nico Paz.

The contrast is striking. On one side, Como, newcomers to the Champions League. On the other, Manchester United, three-time European champions. Yet on Wednesday, October 21, it was the Italians who dictated the game at the Giuseppe-Sinigaglia Stadium, winning 4-1 on the third matchday of the league phase.

A night to remember for Como 😤 #UCL https://t.co/F6FUYd3cqm
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 21, 2026

Already threatened by the severe storms forecast in Lombardy, the match was ultimately able to go ahead. Cesc Fàbregas's men quickly dispelled any suspense: in the 2nd minute, Nico Paz, set up by Lucas Da Cunha, opened the scoring with a curling left-footed shot.

Nico Paz tears Manchester United's defence apart

After a controlled first half, the Lombardy side stepped up the pace after the break. In the 49th minute, Paz this time turned provider, setting up Anastasios Douvikas for the second goal. Eight minutes later, the Argentine took advantage of a misplaced pass by Carlos Baleba to complete his brace (57th minute).

Overwhelmed in transition and too little threat going forward, the Red Devils conceded a fourth goal through a header by Jacobo Ramón (76th minute), who met a cross from Kaiki. Joshua Zirkzee (90+1) pulled one back in stoppage time, but it did not lessen the scale of the thrashing.

Como climb as Manchester United sink deeper into crisis

Already victorious over RB Leipzig (4-1) in their first European outing, then beaten by Feyenoord (3-2), Como now have six points after three matchdays. The Italian club is confirming that it is not content merely to discover the competition: it can also compete with prestigious opponents.

The situation is far more worrying for Manchester United, who remain on three points after beating Sabah (4-0 on the opening matchday), then losing to Atlético de Madrid (0-2). This second consecutive European defeat increases the pressure on Michael Carrick even further. Beyond the scoreline, it is his team's inability to control space and respond collectively that is causing concern. For Como, by contrast, the evening will go down as one of the first major achievements in its continental history.

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