Como 1-0 Manchester United | UEFA Champions League 2026/27 — Matchday 3
Table of Contents
Paz’s Lightning Strike Sets the Tone
It took less than two minutes for the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia to erupt.
French midfielder Lucas Da Cunha threaded a precise pass to Argentine playmaker Nico Paz, who coolly slotted past the Manchester United defense — exploiting a moment of hesitation from Harry Maguire — to give Como a dream 1-0 lead. The goal, scored before many fans had even settled into their seats, proved to be the decisive moment of a tense Champions League encounter.
The victory marks a significant milestone for the Italian side, who are making their mark in Europe’s premier club competition.
A Goal with History
This was no ordinary opener. For Nico Paz, it was his second career goal in the UEFA Champions League, and both have come against elite opposition.
The 22-year-old Argentine, currently on loan from Real Madrid (who retain ownership of his contract), first found the net in Europe’s top competition as a teenager. At just 19 years old, he scored a crucial goal for Los Blancos in a pulsating 4-2 victory over Napoli during the 2023/24 group stage — a strike that put Real Madrid 3-2 ahead in a match they went on to win convincingly.
Since then, Paz’s trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. His performances for Como have drawn increasing attention, with his latest Serie A outing against Fiorentina delivering both a goal and an assist in a standout display.
The Bigger Picture: Champions League Standings
The result carries significant weight for both clubs in the new-look league phase of the Champions League.
| Team | Position | Record | Notes |
| Como | 15th | 2W-1L | Inside play-in qualification spots |
| Manchester United | 16th | 1W-2L | One point below Como; six games without a win across all competitions |
For Como, the three points at home are vital. Sitting in 15th place — within the play-in qualification zone — they need to maintain momentum and push for a top-eight finish, which would secure direct advancement to the Round of 16.
For Manchester United, the situation is growing increasingly precarious. The Red Devils have now gone six matches across all competitions without a victory, and their struggles show no sign of abating. A win in northern Italy was seen as essential to lift morale and stabilize their European campaign, but once again, Erik ten Hag’s side fell short.
Paz: Argentina’s Rising Star
Nico Paz’s development continues to mirror that of a player destined for the highest level. A regular presence in Argentina’s national team setup, the attacking midfielder combines technical elegance with an eye for goal that is becoming more refined with every match.
His loan spell at Como — a club backed by ambitious ownership and steadily climbing the Italian football pyramid — has provided the perfect platform for regular first-team football. And with Real Madrid watching closely, every goal in the Champions League only strengthens his case for a future return to the Santiago Bernabéu.
What’s Next?
Both teams will need to regroup quickly as the congested Champions League league phase continues. For Como, the focus will be on building on this momentum and proving they belong among Europe’s elite. For Manchester United, the pressure mounts — another slip could see them fall further behind in the race for qualification.
One thing is certain: Nico Paz has announced himself as one of the most exciting young talents to watch in this season’s competition.
The UEFA Champions League 2026/27 continues — follow all the action as Europe’s biggest clubs battle for supremacy.
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