Fabregas hails Como’s 9-1 win over Lens as a result that happens “once in a lifetime”

“A result that happens once in a lifetime”: Fabregas used those words to describe Como’s 9-1 Champions League victory over Lens. The coach celebrated the scale of the win while stressing that his side have played only four matches in the competition and are still at the beginning of their European journey.

The night included nine goals shared among seven different scorers. Tasos Douvikas claimed a hat-trick, while Nico Paz, Lucas da Cunha, Marc-Oliver Kempf, Mattia Liberali, Martin Baturina and Papaccioli also found the net. Papaccioli scored with his first touch of the ball, on his first official appearance. Kooora describes the victory as the biggest away winning margin in the competition’s history.

Fabregas underlined the collective importance of the performance: “We have written our names in the history books. It was an unforgettable night for our supporters and the club. Everything went our way, but we have to build on it because another very important match awaits us on Sunday.” He also expressed pride in his players’ output, while making clear that he sees the 9-1 as one step in a European campaign that has only just begun.

The coach has already turned his attention to the next league fixture. Como, fourth in the standings, are due to travel to San Siro to face Inter Milan, described in the dossier as the defending champions. Fabregas said the team had to move on quickly: “It is right to enjoy this moment because the group deserves it, but football moves at a very fast pace. I told the players we had to turn the page on the Lens match and think only about Inter.”

He characterised the trip as a major physical and mental challenge, with little time available to prepare. His stated aim is to go to Milan and show the team’s true identity. He also said it would be Como’s ninth match between the two international breaks, and that the side should try to finish that stretch on a positive note.

Fabregas also gave his assessment of the Lens match. In his view, Como defended and attacked well, despite a lack of discipline during the first five minutes of the second half. The goal they conceded angered him. He added that the defence changed after three substitutions and credited the excellent opposing goal to his former teammate Aguilar.