Cesc Fabregas Calls for Composure After Como’s Stunning 4-1 Victory Over Manchester United in Champions League

Cesc Fabregas, the head coach of Como, called on his team to stay humble following their remarkable 4-1 triumph over Manchester United in the Champions League on Wednesday evening. The Spanish manager witnessed his bold Serie A side dominate at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, adding intense pressure on visiting manager Michael Carrick.

A Historic Night for Como

Fabregas warned against overconfidence after Como’s dismantling of the English giants by such a clear margin. After also defeating RB Leipzig 4-1 in their opening home game, Como became the first Italian club to score at least four goals in their first two home matches of a debut UEFA campaign. They joined AC Milan as only the second Italian team to beat Manchester United by three or more goals in European competition.

Hosts Take Control Early

The match began with a missed chance from Diogo Dalot inside the first 90 seconds, which quickly turned in Como’s favor when Nico Paz found the net just 118 seconds into the game. The 22-year-old Argentine became the second-youngest South American to score against Manchester United in this competition, trailing only Lionel Messi’s 2009 final goal.

Manager Carrick responded at halftime by substituting Matheus Cunha and Andrey Santos for Carlos Baleba and Amad Diallo. Yet, Paz continued to influence the game, setting up Tasos Douvikas for a second goal and later intercepting a pass from Baleba to secure a third goal in the 57th minute.

"I'm very happy. I think it's a historic night for the club, and we're very happy," Fabregas told UEFA after the match. "The boys competed really well and played well, so we need to keep going and keep pushing."

Fabregas added that before the match, he reminded his injury-hit squad about their identity and principles, urging them to play fearlessly and bravely. "The boys showed great quality and great character," he said. "We always talk about character, but today the boys also played with a lot of quality."

Maintaining Perspective Despite Success

Como's goalkeeper Jean Butez denied several attempts, including one from Diallo, and substitute Kaiki Bruno assisted Jacobo Ramon’s header for the fourth goal in the 76th minute. Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee scored a late consolation goal in stoppage time.

Fabregas dismissed claims that other European clubs might now fear facing Como. "I wouldn't say other European teams are afraid of Como," he explained. "We have a lot of respect for all the clubs. We are new to this competition, so we need to keep our feet on the ground, keep working, keep pedaling, and then see where the future takes us."

Challenges Mount for Manchester United

Missing nine players due to injury, Manchester United extended their winless run to seven matches. Their positive draw against Leeds United on Sunday quickly faded in memory. At full-time, Carrick repeatedly apologized to the traveling fans, a gesture recalling Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s response after a similar 4-1 defeat at Watford in November 2021, which led to his dismissal the next day.

• Matchday 2 Score: Como 4 - 1 Manchester United
• Como’s Record: Two home wins, both 4-1 (against RB Leipzig and Manchester United)
• Youngest South American Scorer Against United: Nico Paz (22 years, 43 days)
• Substitutions by Manchester United at Half-Time: Matheus Cunha and Andrey Santos replaced by Carlos Baleba and Amad Diallo
• Goals by Como: Nico Paz, Tasos Douvikas, Nico Paz (second goal), Jacobo Ramon
• Consolation Goal: Joshua Zirkzee for Manchester United