Man United Suffers Heavy Defeat to Como
Nico Paz led Como to a victory over Manchester United, scoring two goals and adding three more in the Champions League.
Translated by Qiyas from النهار — Original source
Young Argentine Nico Paz shone and led newly promoted Italian side Como to a crushing 4-1 victory over their English guests Manchester United yesterday in the third round of the unified group stage of the UEFA Champions League.
The team managed by Michael Carrick entered the match following a defeat in the previous round at the hands of Spanish side Atletico Madrid (0-2), extending a winless streak of six consecutive matches across all competitions, dating back to their opening-day 4-0 win against Azerbaijani club Sabah.
The historical disadvantage in the head-to-head record offered no solace against the team coached by Spaniard Cesc Fabregas, who struck early with a brilliant goal scored by Paz. The Argentine fired a precise shot from the edge of the penalty area after receiving the ball from Frenchman Luca Da Cunha (2nd minute).
Paz’s goal was no fluke; Como imposed their dominance on the pitch while Manchester United posed little threat. The Dutch center-back Mats Wieffer returned to the starting lineup for the first time since November 2025.
Paz’s goal proved decisive before halftime, and the same pattern repeated early in the second half. Como doubled their lead just four minutes after the restart, as Paz delivered a skillful pass to Greek midfielder Anastasios Douvikas, who fired the ball into the net (49th minute), paving the way for the home side to secure their second win in the early stages of their debut campaign in Europe’s premier club competition.
Paz sealed the matter decisively when he added his second personal goal and Como’s third in the 57th minute, capitalizing on a serious passing error by substitute Carlos Baleba. The Cameroonian’s mistake allowed Paz to intercept the ball and shoot past Belgian goalkeeper Siebe Lamyn.
Como continued their scoring spree, adding a fourth goal in the 76th minute following a team move that ended with a cross from Brazilian substitute Kaique to Spanish forward Jacobo Ramon, who headed it into the net. Manchester United pulled one back late on when Dutch substitute Joshua Zirkzee reduced the deficit after a pass from Ivorian substitute Amad Diallo (90+1).
