Following a stunning 4-1 demolition of Manchester United in the Champions League on Wednesday, Como coach Cesc Fàbregas and two-goal hero Nico Paz dedicated the historic victory to supporters who stayed loyal through years of hardship.

At the 10,000-seat Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, the Italian club delivered a masterclass performance against the three-time Champions League winners in their debut season in Europe's premier competition.

Fàbregas said he hoped the landmark victory would spark a surge of local pride across the city.

"We know the history of our club, how much they have suffered over the last many years," Fàbregas said. "Obviously, I hope that tomorrow all the boys and girls go to school wearing the Como shirt and feel proud."

Paz, the former Real Madrid midfielder tipped to inherit Lionel Messi's No. 10 jersey with Argentina, was named Player of the Match. He scored twice and set up Anastasios Douvikas for Como's second goal.

"It has been one of the most beautiful nights of my career," Paz said. "I'm still young, but I will never forget it. I used to dream of playing in a match like this, and tonight we've gone even further. It's a historic night for Como fans."

Fàbregas praised his team's relentless pressing and tactical discipline, saying the win proved the identity he is building.

"I'm very happy with how the players applied everything we tried to do, not only in terms of quality, which was high, but also the way we were pressing relentlessly until the 85th minute," the former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder said.

"We are trying to create a culture at the club, a style of play and an identity. Tonight was another convincing moment for us."

Fàbregas acknowledged that defeating United brought back fond memories, though he admitted the feeling as a coach is far different from his playing days.

"I can't lie to you that it wasn't pride [beating Man Utd]," he added.

"I always tell the lads, enjoy yourselves, fight, do everything to make the best career possible for each one of you, because it goes by quickly.

"They made me enjoy myself tonight, but not so much for the win, for the result, because they played like I like my team to play, with conviction, with quality, with a clear head, with aggressiveness, with a fierce pressing."

Como moved up to ninth in the Champions League standings after starting their debut season with two wins in three matches.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.