Paz: Como must play every game like it’s our last

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Nico Paz has urged Como to play “every game as if it’s our last” after they hammered Manchester United 4-1 in the Champions League.

Paz scored twice and set up Tasos Douvikas in a stunning display, with Jacobo Ramon rounding off the brilliant performance by Cesc Fabregas’ side.

Though they conceded a late consolation from Joshua Zirkzee, Como never looked in doubt about taking all three points as they became the first Italian team to win both of their first two home games in major European competition since Udinese in 1997-98.

Since the start of September, Paz has been directly involved in more goals in all competitions than any other Serie A player, recording nine contributions in eight appearances (four goals, five assists).

He was the heartbeat of their performance and, at 22 years and 43 days, became the second-youngest player to be involved in three goals in a Champions League game against an English side, behind Porto’s Andre Silva in December 2016 (21y 31d against Leicester City).

Paz was also the youngest Argentinian to be involved in three goals in a Champions League game since Lionel Messi in April 2009 against Bayern Munich (21y 288d).

“That was one of the most beautiful games of my career; I’ll never forget it,” Paz told Sky Sport Italia, as quoted by Football Italia.

“It’s more than what I had dreamed of; we played an incredible game. We have to continue like this, but this was an historic night for everyone from Como.

“We have to carry on like this, not thinking about where we can go, but to take on every game as if it’s our last.”

What a performance, Nico! MVP. #ComoManUtd #UCL https://t.co/RA5JtadSyP

— Como1907 (@Como_1907) October 21, 2026

Como completed 594 passes, the most by a team in a Champions League game against United since Barcelona in April 2019 (725).

They are also only the second Italian team to beat United by at least three goals in the history of the European Cup/Champions League, after AC Milan (twice).

“It’s a special night, but we are still at the beginning for everything we have in our minds,” Fabregas told Sky Sport Italia.

“The team played well, but we need to keep our feet on the ground and remember there is another match coming up on Saturday.”

When asked if Como could replicate their dominant approach against anyone in Europe, Fabregas added: “I don’t know about that; it’s a bold statement. We must try to remain humble.

“We will always prepare and try to play our game, whether it’s against Inter in the Coppa Italia semi-final, or with Napoli and Roma in Serie A. Preparation is fundamental, but so is the belief of these lads. It is all more difficult if they don’t have that.

“This was Manchester United we were up against; it doesn’t matter if they are struggling at the moment, we must never forget that some of our players were having the third Champions League game of their entire careers.

“This is why the belief of these lads and their way of doing things gives me life. Winning this way is very satisfying, but this is where it gets difficult: playing the same way on Saturday in Serie A.”

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