Nico Paz inspires Como to a 4-1 win over Manchester United

Nico Paz scored twice and provided an assist in Como’s 4-1 win over Manchester United on Wednesday. Led by Cesc Fabregas, the Italian club produced a statement victory against the English side at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium, on the shores of Lake Como.

The performance offered a measure of how far Como have come. BBC Sport argues that, on the evidence of the match, the European newcomers have moved beyond Manchester United. It describes the result as Como’s most high-profile victory since the project began. The club has climbed from Serie D to Serie A and reached the Champions League, BBC Sport says.

Paz also added to an impressive personal return. Wednesday’s display took him to nine goal involvements in eight appearances, comprising four goals and five assists. He also became the youngest Argentine player to contribute to three goals in a Champions League match since Lionel Messi against Bayern Munich in April 2009.

Glenn Hoddle praised Paz’s impact: “He’s been absolutely brilliant in everything that he has done,” he said on TNT. The victory carries particular significance for Como, where a visit from Manchester United had not been part of the plan. One club staff member captured the feeling around the fixture: “It’s Manchester United. We are only just getting our heads around the fact we are playing Inter, Milan and Juventus.”

The win came amid a wider transformation at the club. Cesc Fabregas described how Como had changed since he finished his playing career: “Compared to when I finished my career here, it is completely different.” He also spoke about the group’s identity: “We are a family here. Even when we lose, fans come and celebrate. We need to be humble and remember who we were.”

That progress has brought unexpected changes. Surwaso said the club’s promotion had upended its original plans: “Somehow the team got promoted, we had to go professional, and the plan had to be scrapped.” The season had initially been expected to serve as a selling year, with Como planning to cash in on some of its developing talents, BBC Sport reported.

The rise has also prompted questions about compliance with UEFA’s financial rules, which the governing body does not intend to amend despite Como’s ascent from Serie B. Surwaso struck a reassuring note: “The scrutiny is on us but we always have our books in order, so we are not too worried.”

The club’s appeal extends to its visitor experience: Como offers one-hour tours of Lake Como followed by pre-match hospitality by the water. Earlier in the week, Ciro, Lionel Messi’s son, was pictured with his father wearing a Como shirt. But on Wednesday, it was on the pitch that the club made its mark, with Paz at the heart of it.