Como Thrash RB Leipzig 4-1 in Historic European Cup Debut
Como began their first European Cup campaign with a statement 4-1 win over RB Leipzig at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, ending a 119-year wait for continental football in emphatic fashion.
Martin Baturina, Tasos Douvikas, Assane Diao and Maximo Perrone scored for Cesc Fabregas’s team, while Andrija Maksimovic registered Leipzig’s only goal. The result made Como just the second Italian side to score at least four times on their European Cup or Champions League debut, after Sampdoria’s four-goal display against Rosenborg in 1991.
Quick facts
- Como beat RB Leipzig 4-1 in their first European fixture.
- Baturina, Douvikas, Diao and Perrone were on the scoresheet for the hosts.
- Maksimovic scored Leipzig’s consolation goal.
- Leipzig visit Hamburger SV this weekend before facing PSV Eindhoven on October 13.
Leipzig’s opening problems came from their own defensive errors. Ridle Baku was unable to clear effectively before Baturina put Como ahead, and the Croatian midfielder later supplied the pass that exposed Castello Lukeba and sent Douvikas through to extend the advantage.
Head coach Martin Demichelis said his side had been comprehensively second best and accepted that the first two concessions were avoidable. He said Leipzig lacked an adequate defensive structure and could not defend in that manner in a Champions League match.
The Argentine also contrasted Como’s established collective identity with a Leipzig group still adapting after significant change. He noted that Como have played together for around three years under Djarum Group ownership, whereas Leipzig have brought eight new players into the squad.
Leipzig had more of the ball after the interval, but Demichelis said Como scored from their first attack of the second half, leaving little for him to take positively from the night. The defeat leaves him with an immediate defensive repair job ahead of the Bundesliga trip to Hamburger SV.
PSV Eindhoven then travel to Saxony for Champions League matchday two on October 13, when Leipzig will seek a far sharper response after Como’s landmark night on Lake Como.
