Como manager Cesc Fabregas was left dissatisfied with his team’s defensive lapse despite watching them produce one of the biggest wins in their European history, crushing Lens 9-1 in France on Wednesday night, November 4, 2026.

The result saw Como set a new benchmark for Italian clubs in European competition, becoming the first Italian side to score seven away goals in a European Cup or Champions League match.

The emphatic victory also extended Como’s winning run to six matches in all competitions and strengthened their position in the Champions League league phase.

Como make history in France

Fabregas’ team secured their first away victory in the Champions League in spectacular fashion, although Lens’ late goal prevented them from completing the rout with a clean sheet.

Como had already defeated RB Leipzig and Manchester United 4-1 at home, with a 3-2 defeat against Feyenoord coming between those victories. Their latest success moved them into fourth place in the Champions League standings.

They achieved the result despite being without several key players, including Moise Kean, Trevoh Chalobah, Assane Diao, Jesus Rodriguez and Jayden Addai.

Tasos Douvikas was the standout performer, completing a hat-trick and maintaining his scoring record in all four of Como’s European matches this season.

Nico Paz, Lucas Da Cunha, Marc-Oliver Kempf, Mattia Liberali, Martin Baturina and 18-year-old debutant Matteo Papaccioli were also on the scoresheet.

Fabregas calls for calm

Despite the remarkable scoreline, Fabregas urged his players not to become carried away by their latest achievement.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia after Como moved into fourth place, the former Spain international said: “It is also our fourth ever Champions League game, so four is the key number here.

“I’m happy, this is football and everything went our way. The lads did well, now we have to prepare for a very important match on Sunday, the ninth in a run between breaks for international duty.”

Fabregas also stressed the importance of maintaining discipline and continuing to develop, particularly for the younger members of his squad.

“It is a wonderful night for Como, for all our fans and many lads here who are at the start of their careers, but they need to keep their feet on the ground, be humble, keep learning and not think everything will go well from here on.

“They must keep working to continue these performances.”

One goal takes the shine off the night

For all of Como’s dominance, Fabregas was particularly unhappy with the goal his side conceded in the second half.

The visitors had yet to register a clean sheet in European competition this season when Lens scored from a corner in the 65th minute.

Como had otherwise produced a commanding display, with most of their goals coming after well-worked moves beginning from the back. An early penalty awarded against Maxence Caqueret was also overturned following a VAR review.

Fabregas admitted the defensive change caused by his substitutions contributed to the lapse.

“I am angry over the goal we conceded, as we changed something in our defending with the three substitutions.

“Plus it was scored by a former teammate of mine, I played with Ruben Aguilar at Monaco, and I told him I’d never seen you score a goal like that before! It was honestly a great goal.”

Inter challenge next for Como

Como will now return their attention to Serie A, with a difficult trip to reigning champions Inter awaiting them on Sunday, November 8.

The match will be their 11th league fixture of the season and comes immediately before the next international break.

Their European campaign will resume with a home encounter against AEK Athens followed by an away meeting with Real Betis.

Fabregas’ side will then face Paris Saint-Germain before completing their league-phase schedule with a trip to Barcelona on January 27.