A Generous Gesture and a Dream Start
Como opened its Champions League campaign with a 4-1 victory over Leipzig on Thursday, but the night began with an act of respect off the pitch. President Mirwan Suwarso and several directors gave up their own seats so that supporters born in 1950 or earlier could attend the sold-out match. The Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, a charming venue on the shores of Lake Como, had its capacity reduced to around 10,000 due to modifications required for the competition. Those older fans watched as midfielder Martin Baturina scored the club's first-ever Champions League goal in the 15th minute, setting the tone for a jubilant evening.[S1]
The goals kept coming for the 119-year-old club. Anastasios Douvikas, Assane Diao and Máximo Perrone all found the net, while Leipzig managed a reply through Andrija Maksimović. The atmosphere was celebratory as Como marked its debut in Europe's elite club competition with a performance that matched the occasion. Coach Cesc Fabregas, who guided the team to a fourth-place Serie A finish last season ahead of Juventus and AC Milan, described the match as a historic night for the club and praised the performance.[S1]
Fabregas Urges Humility After Historic Win
Fabregas, a former standout midfielder for Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona who also played for Spain's 2010 World Cup-winning team, emphasized that the victory was a reward for last year's hard work but warned against complacency. He said the team must remember who they are, remain humble and keep their feet on the ground. His high-pressing style of play has been central to Como's rise, and the win over Leipzig showcased the attacking talent at his disposal, including 22-year-old playmaker Nico Paz, who is on loan from Real Madrid, and the burly Greece center forward Douvikas.[S1]
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The goals illustrated Como's fluid attacking play. For the opener, Douvikas was released down the right and his deflected cross was recovered by Baturina, who slipped but still managed to push the ball past two defenders and into the bottom left corner. Baturina then returned the favor before halftime, sending Douvikas clean through from near the halfway line, and the striker finished confidently after holding off a defender. A fast break in the 54th minute led to the third goal, with first-time passes from Douvikas and Paz sending Diao down the right; he cut inside and shot into the bottom left corner. Paz then set up Perrone for the fourth with a fine pass.[S1]
Players and City Celebrate Together
Baturina expressed his joy and pride after the match, saying he was sure the whole city was happy too and that now was the time to celebrate. The victory capped an unforgettable night for Como, which had reached the Champions League under Fabregas after a strong Serie A season. The club's debut in the competition, combined with the gesture toward its older supporters, created a sense of shared achievement that resonated beyond the final whistle.[S1]
