Lake Como Meets Old Trafford
Lake Como meets Old Trafford in the Champions League, with one side flying and the other under real pressure. It’s also the first time Como have faced English opposition.
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The Stakes
Both sides have three points from two games, Como 12th and United 13th. A win here is a big step toward the knockout stages for either of them.
Como: The Feel-Good Story
Cesc Fàbregas’s side beat RB Leipzig 4-1 at this ground on their Champions League debut. They can become the first Italian side to win their first two European Cup/Champions League home games since Lazio in 1999-2000. They arrive on a high after a 3-1 win at Fiorentina that leaves them fifth in Serie A. Striker Tasos Douvikas has scored in both of their Champions League games. They’ve lost only one home match since February.
Man United: A Club in Crisis
United haven’t won in any competition since beating Sabah 4-0 on 10 September, and Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Leeds made it six games without a win. Before that came a 2-0 defeat at Atlético Madrid in which they finished with ten men. Michael Carrick is under major pressure, though he called the Leeds draw a “fresh start”. The away record is the biggest worry: one win in their last 10 Champions League away games, and one clean sheet in their last 15 on the road.
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Team News
United: Leny Yoro is suspended after his red card in Madrid, Luke Shaw is doubtful, Ayden Heaven is ill, and Patrick Dorgu is out. As many as eight senior players could miss the game.
Como: Assane Diao and Trevoh Chalobah are concerns. Douvikas is expected to lead the line alongside Nico Paz and Martin Baturina.
Key Battles
Como’s midfield vs United’s reshuffled defence: Fàbregas’s side passes through teams, and United’s back line is stretched.
United’s transition threat: Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes and Youri Tielemans give them real pace on the counter. Mbeumo scored at Leeds.
The coaches: Fàbregas faced United 24 times as a player, so he knows exactly what they can do.
What The Experts Say
Opta’s supercomputer gives Como a 41.7% chance of winning. Other previews are split between Como 2-1, a draw and a 2-2.
RIZZSPORTS Call
United have enough attacking quality to score, but this defence and this away record are hard to back. Como may just have an edge playing at home over Manchester United, with Douvikas finding the net again.
When & Where To Watch
Kickoff (IST)
10:15 PM IST (Wednesday, October 21, 2026)
Kickoff (BST)
5:45 PM BST
Venue
Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, Como, Italy.
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