Como’s first Champions League night became a statement of arrival, with Cesc Fàbregas’ side sweeping RB Leipzig aside 4-1 and Martin Baturina writing the defining line in the club’s European history.
Como announce themselves as Baturina leads Leipzig rout
SEO Title: Como 4-1 RB Leipzig: Martin Baturina stars on historic Champions League debut
SEO Description: Martin Baturina scored Como’s first-ever Champions League goal and supplied an assist as Cesc Fàbregas’ side beat RB Leipzig 4-1.
The Croatian attacking midfielder opened the scoring with Como’s first goal in the competition before setting up Douvikas for the second. It was part of an impressive collective display, but Baturina’s influence in the middle earned him the official Player of the Match award ahead of team-mates Nico Paz and Assane Diao.
UEFA’s Technical Observer panel highlighted the way Baturina used his intelligence to create an extra man in midfield, allowing Como to take control of the game. The former Dinamo Zagreb player, signed for €18 million a year ago, said the landmark strike was an extraordinary feeling. “To score Como’s first Champions League goal is incredible,” he said.
Baturina, often likened to Luka Modric, appeared rather more comfortable against Leipzig than during his post-match appearance on CBS Sports Golazo. Asked which of Como’s forthcoming European opponents he most wanted to meet, he selected Barcelona from a list also containing Feyenoord, Manchester United, Lens, AEK, Betis and PSG.
“Barcelona,” Baturina said. “They are among the best teams in the world and, in my view, they are playing the best football at the moment. I am looking forward to facing them.”
There was another difficult question when Micah Richards asked him to name his favourite member of the studio panel. Baturina opted for Thierry Henry, the former Arsenal and Barcelona forward who is also a Como shareholder. “I have to say Henry because he owns a part of Como,” the Croatia international replied.
Henry joked that it was the correct answer, otherwise Baturina might not receive his next pay cheque, before quickly assuring him: “I’m joking. Relax.” Baturina responded with a smile: “You never know, I have to be careful.”
For Como, though, the serious business had already been settled on the pitch. A 4-1 victory over Leipzig has transformed their Champions League debut into one of the competition’s early surprises and ensured that their next European appointments will arrive with a different level of attention across the continent.
