Como's opening strike puts United under pressure in Champions League

Como and Manchester United met in the third group‑stage fixture of the Champions League on a cool Wednesday evening at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. The stadium held a temperature of about 16 °C with high humidity, hinting at moderate showers. An early strike gave the hosts a 1‑0 advantage.

Both sides lined up in a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation. Manchester United entered the match with a squad valued at €724.7 million, while Como’s roster was worth €341.6 million. United were without Martínez, Shaw and Dorgu, whereas Como missed Chalobah, Diao, Rodríguez and Kean. Recent form showed Como scoring in its two previous games, whereas United had recorded more draws.

Opening exchanges and first goal

The match began with a quiet first minute before Nico Paz, assisted by Da Cunha, curled the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 1‑0 for Como at the second minute. In the same minute, Dalot’s left‑footed effort drifted wide. Six minutes later Dalot was penalised for a foul on Álex Valle inside the danger area.

At the twelfth minute Da Cunha was adjudged to have fouled Couto, while shortly after he drove the ball forward, seeking a better attacking option. Harry Maguire rose from a corner to head the ball, only for the defence to clear it. Two minutes later Mount committed a foul on Baturina, and Da Cunha tried a left‑footed strike from outside the box that sailed over the crossbar.

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United's attempts to equalise

Andrey Santos fouled Nico Paz in the twenty‑first minute, and again in the twenty‑fourth minute he was penalised for a similar infringement. The following minute United’s player received a yellow card after Santos’ challenge on Paz. At the twenty‑eighth minute Kempf originated a pass towards Tielemans, but Dalot’s intervention sent the ball out of play.

United committed a foul on Paz in the twenty‑ninth minute, giving Como a free‑kick. Five minutes later Mbeumo tackled Baturina, resulting in another free‑kick for the hosts. In the thirty‑sixth minute Nico Paz caused a foul on Harry Maguire, again awarded to Como.

Baturina set up Tasos Douvikas, whose left‑footed shot aimed low at the left post but was saved by Lammens. Yan Couto then launched a powerful strike from the area, only for the ball to smash against the crossbar. Finally, De Ligt intercepted a pass from Álex Valle intended for Douvikas, and the ball went out of play.

With the match still at 1‑0, United continued to press, but Como’s defence held firm despite the damp conditions. The game progressed with both sides creating chances, the hosts hoping to extend their lead and the visitors seeking an equaliser.