Cesc Fàbregas’ remarkable journey with Como 1907 reaches another historic moment on Thursday as the Italian club make their UEFA Champions League debut against RB Leipzig.
For a club that was playing in Italy’s fourth tier only a few years ago, reaching Europe’s elite competition is a huge sucess. Como were competing in Serie D in 2017 following financial troubles and a restart, before rebuilding their way through the Italian football community.
The club won Serie D in 2019, reached Serie B after winning Serie C in 2021 and then secured promotion to Serie A in the 2023/24 campaign.
A Historic Journey To Champions League
The phrase “Serie B to Champions League” perfectly captures Como's extraordinary rise.
The club made a comeback to Serie A in 2024/25 after a hiatus of 21 years and soon began making a mark in Italian football.
Fàbregas' presence played a major part in this transformation. The former Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Spanish national team player became a player for Como in 2022 and soon transitioned to coaching within the same club.
In that capacity, he has become a crucial part of Como's project, focusing on player acquisitions and cultivating a young working team playing a possession-based type of football.
Como's rise continued with the successful finish in fourth place in Serie A and earning a spot in the Champions League for the first time.
Como 1907 Champions League Debut: When and Where?
The Como 1907 Champions League debut will take place on Thursday, September 10, 2026, against RB Leipzig.
Match: Como 1907 vs RB Leipzig
Competition: UEFA Champions League 2026/27
Date: September 10, 2026
Kick-off: 9:00 PM local time / 12:30 AM IST (September 11)
Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, Como
Where to watch: Sony Liv/ Sony Ten Network
Nico Paz Ready for the Biggest Stage
One of the biggest attractions in this Como UCL debut will be Argentine youngster Nico Paz. The attacking midfielder has developed into one of Como's key creative players, combining his technical ability with an eye for goal.
The Champions League provides Paz with a huge platform to showcase his talent against some of Europe's biggest clubs. A strong campaign could also put the youngster firmly on the radar of Europe's elite clubs.
ALSO READ: Barcelona 5-1 Feyenoord: Three Talking Points As Raphinha And Yamal Shine in Champions League Rout
Fàbregas' Next Challenge
Fàbregas will show take this opportunity in the Champions League strengthen his coaching tactics and gain expereince as a manager in European circuit.
Como are among the UEFA Champions League debutants 2026, but their story is about much more than simply reaching the competition.
Their journey from the lower divisions of Italian football to Europe's biggest club stage has been remarkably quick.