Como will step into a rare European evening on Wednesday 21 October, when Cesc Fàbregas’ side welcome Manchester United for matchday three of the Champions League. For the lakeside club, playing in the competition for the first time, the visit from one of the game’s grandest names carries the weight of a landmark occasion.
A Champions League night on Lake Como
- Como enter the fixture in their debut Champions League campaign, a season that has already taken the club into unfamiliar continental territory.
- Manchester United arrive in Lombardy without a win in six matches across all competitions.
- Fàbregas nevertheless rejected the idea that United’s recent sequence should alter the scale of the task facing his team.
The former Spain international said his squad must recognise both the significance of the occasion and the need to handle it properly. He described the past few months as special for the club, while insisting Como will approach the match with their usual intention of trying to win.
“It will be another historic day,” Fàbregas said. “We have been through a special period recently and must adapt well, knowing how important this match is. United are a fantastic side, with outstanding players and an incredible history.”
Fàbregas dismisses talk of a United crisis
United’s six-game wait for victory has put attention on the English club before their journey to northern Italy, but Como’s coach did not accept the language of crisis around their opponents.
Fàbregas said the modern calendar leaves little room for such assessments, with matches arriving every three days. In his view, football comes down to 11 players against 11, with professionals focused on competing rather than dwelling on narratives. He stressed that Manchester United remain Manchester United, with major quality throughout their squad.
Nico Paz savours the reward
Nico Paz, Como’s leading figure, also spoke before the match and framed the meeting as recognition for the club’s progress over recent years.
The Argentine said a Champions League night against United is the kind of occasion Como have earned. He said the group are excited and proud to have the chance to take part in a game of this stature.
