Como thrash Lens 9-1 in Champions League as Douvikas hits hat-trick

Como produced a remarkable Champions League performance on matchday four, beating Lens 9-1 at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, according to a report by Corriere dello Sport. Douvikas was the standout figure with a hat-trick, while Nico Paz, Da Cunha, Kempf, Liberali, Baturina and debutant Papaccioli also scored. Ruben Aguilar netted Lens's only goal, described by the outlet as spectacular but ultimately meaningless.

The result lifted Fabregas's side to nine points and fourth place in the league-phase table, the report said, following their 4-1 win over Manchester United at the Sinigaglia in the previous round. Corriere dello Sport also reported that the performance set a Champions League record unmatched for 55 years: Como became the first team to score nine goals in an away match in the European Cup/Champions League since Feyenoord's 9-0 victory over Olympiakos Nicosia in September 1971.

Como took the lead after just seven minutes from a corner routine, Perrone flicking the ball on for Douvikas to convert from close range ahead of his own teammate Ramon. The report said the game could have reopened on 16 minutes when referee Saggi awarded a penalty for a handball by Caqueret following a Thauvin cross, but the VAR called him to the monitor and the decision was overturned. Past the half-hour mark Como doubled their lead: Paz switched play to Valle, whose cross back into the middle allowed Douvikas to complete his brace. On 40 minutes a counter-attack ended with Nico Paz scoring and revealing a shirt dedicated to Jesus De Miguel.

Two minutes into the second half Da Cunha made it four with a diagonal finish. Risser then made a save described as a miracle on the Como captain, but on 53 minutes Kempf headed in Milla's cross at the far post. Four minutes later Douvikas completed his hat-trick from another clever ball by Nico Paz. On 62 minutes substitute Liberali, just brought on, was set up by Ramon and beat Risser. Lens pulled one back soon after through a fine volley from Aguilar, but Como added an eighth when Liberali back-heeled the ball for Baturina to finish. In stoppage time 18-year-old Papaccioli, making his first-team debut, sealed the 9-1 scoreline; his goal was initially ruled out for offside before being awarded.