When Manchester United savoured the final of their three Champions League triumphs in 2008, Como had been a Serie D membership, enjoying in considered one of 9 semi-professional regional leagues.
On Wednesday, at a wet however picturesque Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on the banks of the enduring Lake Como, the Serie A outfit confirmed how far they’ve come.
The truth is, on the proof of their 4-1 thrashing of the English aspect – and with progressive coach Cesc Fabregas within the dugout – you could possibly argue the European newcomers have leapfrogged the Outdated Trafford outfit after which some.
Repeatedly, Fabregas’ aspect sliced by way of United – who are actually winless of their previous seven video games in all competitions for the primary time since 2015.
On the coronary heart of Fabregas’ staff is the sensible Nico Paz, signed from Actual Madrid in 2024, who scored twice and arrange one other.
For the reason that begin of September, the 22-year-old Tenerife-born Argentina worldwide has been immediately concerned in additional targets in all competitions than every other Serie A participant.
“It was a historic evening as a result of we performed towards top-of-the-line groups ever, to do that at house is unimaginable, we’re very blissful for our efficiency,” mentioned Paz.
Wednesday’s excellent exhibiting took him to 9 purpose involvements in eight appearances – 4 targets and 5 assists – he’s additionally the youngest Argentine participant to be concerned in three targets in a single Champions League sport since Lionel Messi towards Bayern Munich in April 2009.
“Paz actually runs, he covers loads of floor. He is melded the old-school Argentine inventive quantity 10 type with the bodily calls for of recent soccer,” mentioned journalist Lars Sivertsen on Champions League Match of the Day.
For Como, that is probably the most high-profile victory since their venture started.
“It is Manchester United. We’re solely simply getting our heads across the reality we’re enjoying Inter, Milan and Juventus,” mentioned one member of workers.
“That is doubtless the most important evening within the membership’s historical past.”