Como’s first Champions League defeat arrived in Rotterdam, where Feyenoord recovered from an early setback to win 3-2 at De Kuip. Cesc Fabregas’s side showed enough in the closing stages to protect the scoreline, but left the Netherlands with an injury concern over Assane Diao and no points from a difficult second European outing.
The decision
Como began with purpose and took the lead in the 18th minute. Ramón’s forward pass sent Diao through against Marmol, and the attacker used his strength before steering a measured finish across goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther Ernst and into the far corner.
The advantage lasted only two minutes. Luciano Valente supplied Gjivai Zechiël on the edge of the area, and the Feyenoord midfielder turned sharply before beating Sánchez with a quick strike.
There was a further blow for Como shortly afterwards when Diao was forced off with a muscular problem. Jesús Rodríguez came on and moved to the right flank, then briefly caused concern himself after reporting discomfort, although he was able to continue. Yan Couto was sent to warm up.
Zechiël remained Feyenoord’s liveliest threat before half-time, firing one effort over. Como responded through Martin Baturina, whose long-range shot was spilled by Ernst without a visiting player close enough to profit. At the other end, Sánchez saved Givairo Read’s powerful attempt from distance, while Valente headed over before the interval.
Feyenoord took control after the restart and found their second goal in the 52nd minute. Diarra switched play to Moussa, who cut inside from the wing and beat Sánchez at his near post with his left foot.
Fabregas answered with a triple alteration, introducing Anastasios Douvikas, Lucas Da Cunha and Yan Couto for Kaiki, Milla and Smolcic. Como pushed higher and created opportunities: Douvikas headed narrowly over from Baturina’s cross, while Da Cunha’s low effort was held by Ernst.
The home side still carried menace on the break. Moussa sent one cross across the entire box after reaching the byline, while Nico Paz narrowly missed after combining with a teammate and shooting first time. Baturina later made way for Liberali as Fabregas used his final substitution in the 79th minute.
The decisive moment followed two minutes later, and it was particularly cruel for Sánchez. Moussa’s shot took a deflection, struck the post and then rebounded off the diving goalkeeper’s back into the net for an own goal that made it 3-1.
Como did not retreat from the contest. Liberali helped bring renewed energy, and Ramón produced another effective forward ball in stoppage time for Douvikas to score in the 93rd minute. The late goal reduced the damage, including to Como’s goal difference, but did not leave enough time for a final recovery.
Next in Europe
Como will return to Champions League action on Wednesday 21 October, when Manchester United visit for an 18:45 kick-off. Feyenoord travel to Seville to face Betis later that evening, with their match starting at 21:00.
