Como's historic Champions League debut

Como, a Serie D club in 2008, now faces Manchester United in Champions League after five years of rapid rise under Cesc Fabregas.

“It's Manchester United. We are only just getting our heads around the fact we are playing Inter, Milan and Juventus.”

Manchester United's crisis

United travel to Italy on the brink of a full-blown crisis after six games without a win, their worst run since 2018-19.

Como's rise from Serie D

Como rose from Serie B to Champions League in five seasons under Cesc Fabregas, capitalising on AC Milan's shock defeat at Cagliari.

Hartono brothers' involvement

Sent Entertainment, owned by Indonesian billionaires Robert Budi Hartono and Michael Bambang Hartono, first attracted Como with amateur status.

Lake Como's unique setting

Lake Como is 29 miles long and 2.5 miles wide in some parts, with yacht clubs and sea-plane airports nearby.

Como's fanbase

Como attracts thousands to games now, but 90% of town's 83,000 residents could fit in San Siro Stadium.

Cesc Fabregas' vision

Fabregas said Como's journey is 'another world' compared to when he retired, with fans celebrating even after losses.

“Compared to when I finished my career here, it is completely different.”

Financial scrutiny

Uefa's financial rules may challenge Como's compliance despite their rapid rise from Serie B to Champions League.

Stadium challenges

Three quarters of Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia's 12,300 capacity is uncovered, risking issues with heavy rain at kick-off.

Fan perspectives

Old fans recall Como's Serie D days, hoping the story will last as long as possible despite past struggles.

“We know the club is in the best situation ever in its history but when I see the faces of the guys and ladies that were also here in Serie D, we just see in our eyes and say, 'OK, we hope that this story will go on as long as possible, as best as possible, but if it maybe abruptly ended, because in the past we had also some bad things, we know we will be there'.”

Historic significance

Como's first Champions League match against Manchester United marks a historic day for the club, city and fanbase.

“Playing Manchester United is a historic day once again for the club, the city of Como and fanbase.”