Como’s 9-1 Win Over Lens Sets New Champions League Scoring Record
The Italian side’s dominant performance puts them second in goal difference, while Manchester United’s 3-2 comeback against Roma offers a fragile reprieve for manager Michael Carrick.
By Thabo Hoffmann ·
Como defeated Lens 9-1 in the UEFA Champions League league phase on Wednesday, recording the second nine-goal performance in the competition’s history. The result extends the Italian club’s perfect start to the tournament, keeping them well positioned to advance from the group stage in their first campaign in the competition. The victory also solidified their standing in Serie A, where they remain in the top four with 37 goals scored in 14 matches across all competitions.
The performance highlights the tactical approach of coach Cesc Fabregas, who has organized a squad composed largely of undervalued players. ESPN FC writers noted that the team’s depth includes Nico Paz, who has six goals and seven assists this season, and Anastasios Douvikas, the tournament’s top scorer. Douvikas scored three goals against Lens, matching his entire LaLiga output from his final season at Celta Vigo. The squad also features Lucas Da Cunha, who was with the club in Serie B, and Luis Milla, a midfielder acquired from Getafe.
Financial analysts point out that Como’s roster is inexpensive relative to other Champions League participants. Aside from Paz, only two starters, Trevoh Chalobah and Jesús Rodriguez, have market values exceeding €18 million. This spending pattern contrasts with the larger budgets of traditional powerhouses, suggesting that Fabragas’s system maximizes the potential of available talent rather than relying on star signings. The team’s second-best goal difference in the Champions League further underscores their offensive efficiency despite having three starters out for the Lens match.
In another key result, Manchester United recovered from a 2-0 deficit to beat Roma 3-2 at Old Trafford on Tuesday. The comeback win halted a 13-game run in which the English club had lost seven times. However, statistical analysis reveals the victory may not signal a long-term turnaround. Roma recorded zero shots on target and zero touches in United’s penalty area during the second half, yet United conceded twice. The team has managed only one clean sheet all season, and a soft penalty that required a retake contributed to the final score.
Manager Michael Carrick’s future remains uncertain following the result. He was reportedly on the verge of being dismissed last week after the winless streak. A loss to Aston Villa this weekend could force the club’s hierarchy to make a decision before the international break. Writers compared Carrick’s situation to the struggles of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool, noting that while those managers eventually recovered, Carrick lacks the same managerial pedigree. The ownership group, including Jim Ratcliffe, Omar Berrada, and Jason Wilcox, faces scrutiny over the club’s long-term strategy.
Bayern Munich secured a 2-0 victory at Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, marking the first scoreless game for the German side in over a year. The win comes as Atlético ends a seven-game winning streak in LaLiga. The result positions Bayern as a competitive threat, though they have dropped points in both the Bundesliga and Champions League this season. The league phase now enters its final stretch, with teams like Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid holding perfect four-game records at the top of the 36-team table.
