Como coach Cesc Fàbregas says hosting Manchester United in Wednesday's Champions League group game is a "dream come true" for the club. Speaking after his side's 3-1 win at Fiorentina on Sunday, which kept Como fifth in Serie A, the former Arsenal star said: "They are a great team. Just three years ago, when we were in Serie B, it would have been unthinkable that Manchester United might come to the Sinigaglia [stadium] -- yet on Wednesday, that is exactly what will happen."
Como have never competed in European football in the club's 119-year history. The Lombardy-based side, who went bankrupt twice in the last two decades, were playing in Serie D in 2019. They returned to Italy's top flight in May 2024 after a third promotion in six seasons. The Italian minnows opened their Champions League campaign with a 4-1 home win over Leipzig but lost 3-2 at Feyenoord last week.
Fàbregas stressed that Serie A remains the club's top priority. "Getting ready for such wonderful games is fantastic but we must never forget that Serie A is the most important thing for us," he said. "For us, every day is an important step in our growth. We are a new club-not in terms of our history, but because we started from scratch three years ago."
He admits the Champions League is a learning experience for everyone at the club. "We've arrived here [Champions League] five years ahead of schedule," the Spaniard said. "The Champions League is an extraordinary gift that came after last year's magnificent season. The Champions League is the toughest competition there is-at a higher level even than the World Cup or the European Championship."
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing