'Don't Buy Into Hype': Fabregas Cautions Como After 9-1 UCL Massacre
Como coach Cesc Fabregas urges humility after a record-breaking 9-1 victory over RC Lens in the UEFA Champions League.
In a night that will be etched into the annals of European football, debutants Como delivered a masterclass in attacking football, dismantling RC Lens 9-1 in a historic UEFA Champions League encounter. Despite the sheer scale of the victory, head coach Cesc Fabregas has issued a stern warning to his squad: stay humble and ignore the noise.
A Night of Absolute Dominance
Playing away from home, Como turned the match into a one-sided spectacle, equalling the record for the biggest win in the competition's modern era—a feat previously held by Real Madrid's 8-0 demolition of Malmo in 2015.
The onslaught began early and never let up. Tasos Douvikas was the star of the show, netting a sensational hat-trick with goals in the 7th, 32nd, and 57th minutes. The rout continued as Nico Paz (40'), Lucas da Cunha (47'), and Marc-Oliver Kempf (53') all found the back of the net, leaving Lens reeling at 6-0 within the first hour of play.
While Ruben Aguilar managed to score a consolation goal for Lens in the 65th minute, it did little to dampen Como's spirits. The floodgates opened again with strikes from Mattia Liberali (62'), Martin Baturina (69'), and a final blow from Matteo Papaccioli in the 92nd minute to seal the 9-1 scoreline.
Fabregas Calls for Grounded Approach
Despite the euphoria surrounding the result, Cesc Fabregas remained focused on the long-term mentality of his team. Speaking to ESPN, the manager emphasized that the club must resist the temptation of arrogance.
"It has been a great night for Como, for all our fans, and for many of the young players who are just starting their careers. But we have to keep our feet on the ground, stay humble, and keep working hard. This is something we must always learn," Fabregas stated.
The coach stressed the importance of mental discipline to avoid a premature sense of achievement, adding, "We must learn this now so we don't buy into our own hype or think that the job is already done. We have to learn to say: 'Okay, it was a good day, let us move forward and try to keep putting in good performances.'"
A Fairytale Rise
Como's current form is nothing short of a miracle. After a 21-year absence from the top flight, the club was promoted to Serie A in 2024 and has since surged to fourth place, actively battling for the league title.
Their debut Champions League campaign has been equally explosive. Before the demolition of Lens, Como had already claimed stunning victories over English giants Manchester United and Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
The Numbers Game
Como's offensive prowess is now among the best in the tournament. With 19 goals scored across four matches, they trail only PSG, who have netted 20. Their goal difference of +13 (having conceded six goals) puts them right alongside PSG (+15), establishing them as one of the most dangerous attacking forces in the competition.