Half-time: Como 1-0 Manchester United

Como head into the break with a deserved lead after an impressive opening 45 minutes against Manchester United at a packed Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.

Cesc Fàbregas’ side made the perfect start when Nico Paz found the net after just two minutes, setting the tone for a first half in which the home side looked more confident, more dangerous and largely in control of proceedings.

The Argentine playmaker was once again at the heart of everything good Como produced. Frequently surrounded by two Manchester United players, Paz still managed to find space between the lines and drive his team forward whenever he was on the ball.

Alongside him, Martin Baturina and Anastasios Douvikas caused constant problems for the visitors. Baturina produced one of the passes of the half to release Douvikas through on goal, while the Greek striker forced Lammens into several important saves.

The Manchester United goalkeeper was arguably the visitors’ standout performer during the opening 45 minutes. He denied Douvikas at the near post before producing another save from the striker’s effort from the edge of the area, helping keep the deficit at just one goal.

United’s best moments came from set pieces and isolated attacking transitions. Harry Maguire headed over from a corner, while Bryan Mbeumo provided occasional danger down the right-hand side. However, Michael Carrick’s team struggled to establish sustained pressure against a Como side that looked organised, energetic and comfortable in possession.

If the first half is any indication, Como will believe they have a genuine opportunity to secure one of the most memorable European results in the club’s history.

Half-time score: Como 1-0 Manchester United
⚽ Nico Paz (2′)

Half-Time Player Ratings

Butez 6;
Couto 6.5, Ramon 6.5, Kempf 6.5, Valle 6.5;
Milla 6.5, Perrone 6.5;
Da Cunha 6, Paz 7.5 ⭐, Baturina 7;
Douvikas 7.

Head Coach: Cesc Fàbregas 6.5

Manchester United (4-2-3-1)

Lammens 7;
Dalot 6, Maguire 6, De Ligt 6, Mazraoui 6;
Santos 5.5 🟨, Tielemans 5.5;
Cunha 5.5, Bruno Fernandes 5.5, Mount 5.5;
Mbeumo 6.

Head Coach: Michael Carrick 5.5

Player of the Half

⭐ Nico Paz (7.5)

Key

• Paz 7.5: goal and constant threat.
• Douvikas 7: dangerous throughout, only denied by Lammens.
• Baturina 7: elegant and decisive in creating chances.
• Lammens 7: the main reason United are only one goal behind.
• Santos 5.5: booked and struggling against Como’s movement.