Como’s Champions League Dream: From Serie D to Stunning Europe in Seven Years
In a remarkable turnaround, Como 1907 marked their UEFA Champions League debut with a resounding 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig at the Stadio Sinigaglia on September 10, 2026. Just seven years ago, the Italian club was not even playing in a professional division. Now, they have not only won their first-ever Champions League match but also boast the 13th most valuable team in the competition, according to Transfermarkt. Manager Cesc Fabregas celebrated the historic win, which signals Como’s arrival on Europe’s biggest stage.
The 2026–27 UEFA Champions League league phase features a mix of established giants and fresh faces. Paris Saint-Germain enter as two-time defending champions, having qualified via their domestic league. The access list saw adjustments, with Shakhtar Donetsk earning a direct league phase spot as the domestic champion with the highest club coefficient. Among the 36 teams, debutants include Como, LASK, Sabah, and Viking, with Sabah making their first appearance in a major UEFA competition group or league phase. For Como, this season marks their first foray into European football, a testament to their rapid rise under Fabregas.
However, questions remain about Como’s home stadium meeting UEFA standards. If the Stadio Sinigaglia falls short, the club may need to play at the home of Sassuolo. On the pitch, the league phase is already delivering drama. Ermedin Demirović of VfB Stuttgart and Ferran Torres of Paris Saint-Germain lead the scoring charts with three goals each. Attendance figures show an average of 47,018 per match, reflecting the immense popularity of the revamped format. As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on whether Como can sustain their fairytale run and challenge Europe’s elite.
Shimanta Das 
