Nico Paz Pulls Strings as Como Demolish RB Leipzig 4-1 in Debut
Como 1907 opened their debut UEFA Champions League campaign with a 4-1 win over RB Leipzig at the renovated Stadio Sinigaglia, establishing themselves as the only Italian club to secure three points on Matchday 1. Tactical spatial awareness and ruthlessness on the counter-attack defined the performance, with broad attacking contributions overpowering the German side’s defensive high line.
Baturina and Paz Exploit RB Leipzig High Line at Stadio Sinigaglia
Martin Baturina broke the parity early, finding space between Leipzig’s defensive lines before converting and subsequently setting up Tasos Douvikas for Como’s second. Leipzig attempted to neutralize Como’s primary creator by assigning a dedicated shadow mark to Nico Paz with their number 27, effectively tying up central defensive resources. This strict man-marking system backfired by opening dynamic passing lanes into the half-spaces, the zones between the flank and the central midfield, which Como’s advancing runners repeatedly exploited.
Nico Paz
playerFollowing the interval, Assane Diao extended the lead before Andrija Maksimovic produced a long-range strike for RB Leipzig‘s sole response. Late in the contest, Paz broke free from defensive coverage to deliver his second assist of the match, teeing up substitute Maxi Perrone to complete the scoring. Every goalscorer on the evening represented players retained from the previous campaign, underscoring continuity within team structure.
Reflecting on the match shape and his tactical role against Leipzig’s aggressive marking scheme, midfielder Nico Paz addressed Sky Sport Italia directly.
RB Leipzig
club“It was an historic night, we had an incredible game, we were so excited to play this game and we’re really happy. It was for nights like this that I wanted to stay, I knew this is where I would grow the most, and I am really pleased with my decision. I made the right choice.”
Paz further noted the physical and tactical demands imposed by Leipzig’s defensive setup, confirming that the strategic trade-offs favored his side’s broader plan.
“It was a difficult match, because I was always man-marked with their Number 27 the whole time, so this opened up spaces for my teammates. I didn’t get the ball as much as usual, but I had a bit more after the break. Of course, I can always do better.”
With Inter and Napoli suffering defeats and Roma recording a 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce, Como concluded Matchday 1 on September 10, 2026, as the sole Italian side to secure victory in UEFA Champions League action.