Can Como 1907 shine on their Champions League debut against RB Leipzig? Explore the key tactical battle, Como’s rise and what could decide their historic opener.
Como 1907’s rise has moved so quickly that their next step almost feels unreal. Just seven years ago, the club was playing in Italy’s fourth tier. On Thursday, they will host RB Leipzig at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia in their first-ever European match, having secured their place with a fourth-place Serie A finish last season.
Cesc Fabregas has built a side that is already comfortable playing against top Italian opposition, and Como have started this season unbeaten, collecting seven points from their first three matches. A 2-1 win at Napoli and a 4-1 victory over Genoa have provided plenty of evidence that their domestic progress is not slowing down. Now comes a completely different examination: can that same controlled, possession-heavy football work against Leipzig’s speed and pressing?
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What Makes Como Dangerous?
Como’s biggest strength is their ability to dictate the tempo rather than simply react to stronger opponents. Fabregas wants his team to circulate the ball patiently, draw opponents out, and then find players between the lines. That approach worked particularly well in the win at Napoli, where Como were able to maintain long spells of possession while still creating dangerous attacks. Nico Paz gives them an important creative outlet between midfield and defence, while Martin Baturina and Assane Diao can provide movement around the central striker.
The question is whether Como can maintain that control when Leipzig presses aggressively. Losing the ball in central areas would be far more dangerous than losing it near the touchline because Leipzig’s forwards are built to attack those transition moments immediately.
How Can Leipzig Disrupt Como?
This is the tactical battle that could decide the game. Leipzig under Martin Demichelis are likely to look for quick vertical attacks rather than allowing Como to settle into their passing rhythm. Their wide players can push high and stretch Como’s defensive shape, while runners from midfield can attack the spaces created when Como’s full-backs move forward.
That means Como’s possession has to serve a defensive purpose as well as an attacking one. If they move the ball quickly enough to force Leipzig backwards, they can reduce the visitors’ opportunities to counter. If their passing becomes slow or predictable, Leipzig can step forward, win the ball, and immediately attack the space behind them.
There is also a clear contrast in recent form. Como arrived after two consecutive away wins, while Leipzig lost 3-1 to Werder Bremen in their latest Bundesliga match. Leipzig also have several absences, including Christoph Baumgartner, Rocco Reitz, and Romulo, which could reduce their options in midfield and attack.
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Can Nico Paz Be the Difference?
If Como is going to break through Leipzig’s press, Paz could be central to the plan. The attacking midfielder operates in exactly the spaces that can hurt an aggressive pressing side. If he receives the ball behind Leipzig’s midfield line, Como can turn defence into attack quickly and force the visitors to retreat.
That could also create opportunities for Diao and Baturina to attack from wider positions. The more Como can get their attacking midfielders facing goal rather than receiving with their backs to it, the more uncomfortable Leipzig should become. Leipzig will have their own threat in transition, particularly through their wide attackers. Como, therefore, have to make sure their attacking ambition does not leave their centre-backs exposed to repeated one-on-one situations.
What Does This Debut Really Mean For Como?
Como have already achieved something extraordinary by reaching this stage. UEFA describes their journey from Serie D to the Champions League as one of the fastest rises in modern Italian football, built on long-term investment and the development of a clear footballing project. But Thursday’s match is not simply a celebration of that progress. Leipzig provides a realistic measure of how far Como has actually come.
The hosts have the advantage of playing at the Sinigaglia and arrive in stronger domestic form. Leipzig brings greater European experience and the ability to punish mistakes at speed. If Como can control the first phase of the game, avoid dangerous turnovers and consistently find Paz between the lines, they have a genuine chance of making their debut count. So, can Como 1907 beat RB Leipzig and announce themselves with a win, or will Leipzig’s European experience prove too much at the Sinigaglia? Let us know in the comments.
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