Cesc Fabregas has guided Como to the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the club’s history following a dramatic 4-1 victory over Cremonese on the final day of the Serie A season.
The decisive victory cemented a spectacular fourth-place finish for Como in just their second season back in Italy’s top flight. Fabregas’s side capitalised on AC Milan’s unexpected 2-1 defeat by Cagliari to leapfrog the seven-time European champions into the final qualification spot. Meanwhile, the heavy defeat for Cremonese officially confirmed their relegation to Serie B.
“It’s up there with all my achievements for how it was done and with whom we did it,” an ecstatic Fabregas said after the match. The 39-year-old manager highlighted the identity of his squad, noting they achieved the feat with very young players, almost all of whom are under 23 years old.
Como established a commanding lead early in the contest through goals from Jesus Rodriguez and Tasos Douvikas. Cremonese found a lifeline before the interval when veteran striker Jamie Vardy was fouled in the penalty area. Federico Bonazzoli stepped up to convert the spot-kick, putting the visitors back into the game.
However, temperatures boiled over completely with 20 minutes remaining when Como were awarded a controversial penalty. The decision sparked furious protests from the visitors, resulting in three red cards for Cremonese. Midfielder Alberto Grassi was shown a straight red on the pitch. Striker Milan Djuric and forward David Okereke were also sent off from the substitutes’ bench. Lucas da Cunha added a late fourth goal against the 10-man visitors to seal the historic result.
Juventus Miss Out Amid Derby Drama
Como started the final day knowing they needed a victory alongside dropped points from either AC Milan or Roma. While Roma secured third place with a win over Hellas Verona, Milan’s slip-up opened the door for Fabregas’s men. The results also ensured that Italian giants Juventus would mathematically miss out on the top four.
The Derby della Mole between Juventus and Torino was delayed for an hour due to public safety concerns. Clashes between rival supporters outside the stadium resulted in a Juventus fan being taken to hospital. By the time Luciano Spalletti’s side kicked off, their Champions League hopes were already over. Juventus ultimately played out a 2-2 draw, throwing away a two-goal lead provided by Dusan Vlahovic as Cesare Casadei and Che Adams responded for Torino.
Read more – Premier League Final Day: Arsenal Crowned, West Ham Relegated & Guardiola Departs
Also see – Cristiano Ronaldo Set for Historic Sixth World Cup as Portugal Reveal 2026 Squad
Follow Footy Times on Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
Discover more from Footy Times
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.