Four Different Scorers Give Como A Dream Champions League Debut
Martin Baturina, Tasos Douvikas, Assane Diao and Maximo Perrone all found the net as Como marked their first-ever appearance in a UEFA club competition with a 4-1 win over RB Leipzig at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.
Baturina And Douvikas Give Como A Two-Goal Cushion
Como made history simply by taking the field at a freshly renovated Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, playing in their first UEFA club competition fixture, and they marked the occasion in style. Martin Baturina opened the scoring in the 15th minute, finishing from close range after combining with Tasos Douvikas to work an opening. RB Leipzig responded through Antonio Nusa and a dangerous Andrija Maksimovic effort, but goalkeeper Jean Butez kept them out, and Como doubled their lead in the 38th minute when Baturina turned provider, muscling Douvikas clear of defender Castello Lukeba for a composed finish.
Diao's Solo Effort Extends The Lead Before Leipzig Reply
Nico Paz set up Como's third shortly after the hour, releasing Assane Diao into space on the right in the 54th minute before the winger cut inside and beat goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt with a low strike from a tight angle. RB Leipzig hit back almost immediately when Christopher Nkunku won back possession from a stray Como pass and teed up Maksimovic, who curled a shot in from distance in the 58th minute to make it 3-1. Both sides had further chances in a stretched second half, with Lucas Da Cunha and Ezechiel Banzuzi each going close for their respective teams.
Perrone Seals A Historic Result In Stoppage Time
Como put the result beyond doubt in the final minute, working a quick break involving Nico Paz and substitute Moise Kean that put Maximo Perrone clean through, and Perrone slotted calmly beyond the advancing goalkeeper to make it 4-1. The result gave Como full points on their long-awaited entry into European competition, with all four goals coming from different scorers.
Photo:X-@Anpic4k