Nico Paz Inspires Como to Stunning 4-1 Champions League Win Over Manchester United
Como produced one of the biggest results of the Champions League league phase, overwhelming Manchester United 4-1 on the third matchday under manager Cesc Fabregas. The Italian side’s standout performer was Nico Paz, whose two goals and an assist turned a memorable team display into a personal statement on Europe’s biggest stage.
For United, the defeat deepened an already troubling run of form. The loss marked their seventh consecutive match without a victory, the club’s longest winless streak since November 2015. For Como, meanwhile, the result offered more than three points: it was a bold demonstration of the progress Fabregas is building and the attacking quality emerging in his squad.
Nico Paz Takes Centre Stage
Paz was at the heart of almost everything Como did well. Operating in the No. 10 role, the Argentine combined sharp movement with confidence in possession, repeatedly finding space between United’s midfield and defence. His two goals showcased his finishing, while his assist underlined his ability to create chances for teammates as well as complete them himself.
The performance adds to the growing attention surrounding a player already discussed in Argentina as a possible successor to Lionel Messi. That label carries enormous expectations, but Paz’s display against United offered a glimpse of why the comparison is being made. He showed composure under pressure, imagination in the final third and the ability to influence a major match from several attacking positions.
Still, one outstanding night does not define a career. Paz’s next challenge will be to maintain this level across the Champions League and domestic competition, where opponents are likely to pay closer attention to his movement and reduce the space he enjoyed. For Como, keeping him involved and supported will be central to sustaining their attacking threat.
Fabregas Wins the Tactical Battle
Fabregas will take particular satisfaction from the result. The Como manager faced Michael Carrick, a former Premier League rival from their playing days, and his team delivered a performance that combined intensity with a clear attacking purpose. Como pressed aggressively, moved the ball forward with conviction and made effective use of the spaces United left behind.
The 4-1 scoreline was not simply the product of individual brilliance. Como’s supporting cast also made important contributions, with Douvikas and Ramon getting on the scoresheet. Their goals showed that United could not focus solely on stopping Paz: Como had multiple players ready to punish defensive lapses.
That variety matters in a long European campaign. A team that depends on one creator can become predictable, especially as opponents gather video and prepare specific defensive plans. Como’s ability to threaten through different players gives Fabregas more options and makes the side harder to contain.
Manchester United’s Crisis Deepens
United arrived in Italy under pressure, and the defeat intensified questions about the team’s direction. Seven matches without a win is a damaging sequence for a club with expectations of competing at the highest level. The run also places added scrutiny on Carrick and the players, particularly as defensive errors and a lack of control continue to undermine their results.
The shadow of Antonio Conte is also hanging over the club’s dugout, adding to speculation about United’s next steps. A poor run can quickly turn into a wider debate about coaching, recruitment and the balance of the squad. However, a managerial change alone would not automatically solve deeper problems if the team continues to struggle with organisation, consistency and confidence.
Against Como, United found it difficult to manage the spaces around their midfield and protect their back line. When possession was lost, the Italian side moved forward quickly, forcing United’s defenders to make decisions under pressure. The result was a night in which Como looked composed and purposeful while the visitors appeared increasingly unsettled.
What the Result Means for the Champions League
The victory gives Como a significant boost in the league phase and strengthens the belief that Fabregas’s team can compete beyond the domestic stage. A win over a globally recognised opponent can also raise the club’s profile, attract attention to its young talent and energise supporters as the European campaign develops.
For United, the immediate priority is to stop the slide. Their Champions League position and wider season outlook will depend on how quickly they can respond, restore defensive discipline and turn promising moments into consistent performances. The next fixture becomes more than another match: it is an opportunity to show whether the team can recover from a difficult spell or whether the crisis will continue to grow.
Como vs Manchester United: Prediction After the Upset
Any prediction for Como’s next European outing will now have to account for the confidence generated by this result. Paz’s form, Fabregas’s attacking approach and the contributions from Douvikas and Ramon suggest Como can remain dangerous, particularly when opponents leave space in transition. Their challenge will be to reproduce the same intensity against teams that defend more cautiously.
United’s prediction is harder to make. The squad has the quality to respond, but confidence and consistency remain major concerns after seven winless matches. A more conservative approach could help stabilise the defence, while improved midfield support would reduce the burden on the back line. Until those changes show up on the pitch, uncertainty will continue to surround the club.
For now, the headline belongs to Nico Paz and Como. A two-goal, one-assist performance against Manchester United is a statement that will travel well beyond this matchday. It also gives Fabregas a landmark victory and leaves the English side facing urgent questions about its form, leadership and prospects for the rest of the season.
