Como defeated Manchester United 4-1.

The UEFA Champions League league-phase clash took place on 21 October 2026 at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia stadium in Como. The home side entered the match looking to capitalise on early pressure, while Manchester United aimed to stay in contention on the European stage.

How it unfolded

The opening minutes saw Como take the initiative, and the breakthrough came in the second minute when Nico Paz opened the scoring. Paz slotted a left-footed shot from the centre of the box into the bottom left corner, after a precise assist from Lucas Da Cunha.

Manchester United’s first warning arrived in the 25th minute when Andrey Santos was booked for a bad foul. The visitors struggled to create clear chances as Como continued to dominate possession.

Just before the break, Como extended their lead. In the 49th minute, Anastasios Douvikas (listed as Tasos Douvikas) finished a right-footed strike from the centre of the box into the top right corner, receiving a through ball from Nico Paz. The following minute, Carlos Baleba of Manchester United received a yellow card for a bad foul, reducing the visitors’ options further.

The home side’s dominance persisted into the second half. Nico Paz added his second goal of the afternoon in the 57th minute, firing a left-footed shot from the right side of the box into the bottom left corner.

Como’s fourth goal arrived in the 76th minute when Jacobo Ramón headed the ball from very close range into the bottom left corner, after an assist from Kaiki.

Discipline remained a feature of the match. Marc-Oliver Kempf was booked for a bad foul in the 84th minute, and two minutes later Shea Lacey received a yellow card for a bad foul.

Manchester United managed a consolation goal in stoppage time. In the first minute of added time, Joshua Zirkzee struck a right-footed shot from the centre of the box into the centre of the goal, finishing a cross from Amad Diallo.

Standout performers

Nico Paz was the standout player for Como, contributing two goals and providing the assist for Douvikas’s strike. His early goal set the tone, and his involvement in the build-up continued throughout the match.

Anastasios Douvikas added a well-taken finish, while Jacobo Ramón’s header capped the home side’s dominance.

For Manchester United, Joshua Zirkzee’s late goal offered a brief respite, with Amad Diallo delivering the decisive cross.

Match facts

  • Final score: Como 4-1 Manchester United
  • Scorers:
    • Nico Paz (2') – 2 goals (2', 57')
    • Anastasios Douvikas (49')
    • Jacobo Ramón (76')
    • Joshua Zirkzee (90'+1')
  • Bookings:
    • Andrey Santos (Manchester United) – 25' (bad foul)
    • Carlos Baleba (Manchester United) – 50' (bad foul)
    • Marc-Oliver Kempf (Como) – 84' (bad foul)
    • Shea Lacey (Manchester United) – 86' (bad foul)
  • Venue: Giuseppe Sinigaglia, Como

What it means

The result hands Como three points and a strong statement in the Champions League league phase, while Manchester United return to the competition with a single point, needing to improve their performances in the remaining fixtures.