Como returned to winning ways with an impressive 2-0 victory over Sassuolo at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, thanks to a second-half brace from Anastasios Douvikas. Cesc Fàbregas’ side produced a composed and mature performance, controlling the key moments of the match and keeping a clean sheet against a dangerous opposition.

A First Half of Fine Margins

The opening stages suggested an entertaining afternoon. Como thought they had taken the lead after just seven minutes when Lucas Da Cunha found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out following a VAR review for offside.

The hosts remained on the front foot. Anastasios Douvikas forced an early save from Stefano Turati, while Martin Baturina tested the Sassuolo goalkeeper from distance. Como’s attacking movements repeatedly caused problems, but the breakthrough remained elusive.

Sassuolo gradually grew into the contest and created opportunities of their own. Benjamin Dominguez fired wide from the edge of the area, while Kieron Bowie saw a dangerous effort blocked by determined defending. The visitors believed they had opened the scoring in the 42nd minute through Darryl Bakola, but their celebrations were cut short by another offside flag.

Just before the break, Willy Kambwala came close for Como, steering a shot narrowly wide after a set-piece situation. The two sides went into half-time level at 0-0 despite several promising chances at both ends.

Fàbregas’ Changes Make the Difference

The turning point arrived immediately after the interval.

Fàbregas introduced Luis Milla, Jayden Addai and Jacobo Ramon at half-time, and the substitutions injected fresh energy into the home side.

Only four minutes into the second half, Como finally found the breakthrough. Maxence Caqueret threaded a perfectly weighted pass into the penalty area, where Douvikas controlled brilliantly, beat his defender and fired into the top-left corner to make it 1-0.

The goal gave Como confidence, and they continued to push forward. Addai and Caqueret both contributed to a sustained spell of pressure that pinned Sassuolo deep inside their own half.

Their dominance was rewarded again on the hour mark. Douvikas reacted quickest inside the box and calmly slotted a low finish beyond Turati to double Como’s advantage and complete his brace.

Professional Game Management

Sassuolo attempted to respond through a series of attacking substitutions, including the introductions of Armand Laurienté and Cristian Volpato. However, Como remained defensively organised and rarely looked troubled.

The visitors’ best second-half opportunity came in the 82nd minute when Laurienté struck from the edge of the area, but Jean Butez gathered comfortably.

As the clock ran down, Como managed possession intelligently, limiting Sassuolo’s opportunities and seeing out the match without major scares. Fàbregas also used his bench effectively, with Adrian Lahdo among the late introductions as the hosts closed out the contest.

When the final whistle arrived, Como had secured a deserved 2-0 victory built on clinical finishing, tactical discipline and a standout display from Douvikas.

Key Takeaways

• Anastasios Douvikas scored both goals and was the undisputed man of the match.
• Maxence Caqueret provided the assist for the opening goal and dictated play in midfield.
• Cesc Fàbregas’ half-time substitutions changed the momentum of the game.
• Como kept a clean sheet thanks to a disciplined defensive performance.
• The victory strengthens confidence as the Biancoblù continue their campaign.

Final Score

Como 2-0 Sassuolo

Goals:
49′ Douvikas (1-0)
60′ Douvikas (2-0)

Man of the Match: ⭐ Anastasios Douvikas (Como)