Como Stuns Roma 2-1: Douvikas & Diego Carlos Secure Key Win | Serie A 2025-26

Como, Italy – Cesc Fabregas’s Como side continued their remarkable ascent in Serie A with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Roma on Sunday, propelling them into the top four. Anastasios Douvikas and Diego Carlos scored second-half goals to overturn Donyell Malen’s early penalty, securing a crucial win for the Lariani at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. The result sees Como leapfrog Juventus into fourth place, intensifying the race for Champions League qualification.

Match Details

Como 2 – 1 Roma (First Half: 0-1)

Como (3-4-2-1): Butez; Diego Carlos, Ramon, Kempf (46′ Douvikas); Smolcic, Da Cunha (87′ Van der Brempt), Sergi Roberto (46′ Diao), Valle; Caqueret (67′ Perrone), Baturina; Paz (79′ J. Rodriguez). Manager: Fabregas

Roma (3-4-1-2): Svilar; Ghilardi, Mancini, Hermoso (70′ Tsimikas); Celik (70′ Ziolkowski), Koné, Cristante, Wesley; Pellegrini (67′ Vaz); El Shaarawy (56′ Rensch), Malen (67′ Pisilli). Manager: Gasperini

Referee: Davide Massa (Imperia)

Goals: 7′ Malen (pen.), 59′ Douvikas, 79′ Diego Carlos

Assist: Valle (1-1, Douvikas)

Bookings: Wesley, Caqueret, Diego Carlos, Ghilardi

Sent Off: Wesley (second yellow card)

Key Moments

6′ – Penalty to Roma! Sergi Roberto misplays a pass, El Shaarawy anticipates and is brought down by Diego Carlos. A clear penalty awarded by referee Massa.

7′ – GOAL! Roma takes the lead! Malen converts the penalty with a composed finish, sending Butez the wrong way.

15′ – Svilar denies Nico Paz! A powerful, well-placed shot from Paz is brilliantly saved by the Roma goalkeeper, keeping the visitors ahead.

38′ – Como inches away from an equalizer! Da Cunha delivers a superb cross, and Ramon gets his head to it, but the ball narrowly misses the target.

45+1′ – Como squander a golden opportunity! Caqueret beats Svilar, but Nico Paz’s follow-up effort sails over the crossbar.

59′ – GOAL! Como equalizes! Douvikas latches onto a through ball from Valle, expertly evades the Roma defense, and slots the ball past Svilar. The Sinigaglia erupts!

64′ – RED CARD! Wesley sent off! A reckless challenge by Wesley on Diao results in a second yellow card, leaving Roma with ten men.

79′ – GOAL! Como completes the comeback! Diego Carlos pounces on a loose ball in the box after a scramble, turning the ball home to give Como the lead.

84′ – Da Cunha hits the woodwork! A dazzling run from Da Cunha culminates in a powerful shot that crashes against the crossbar.

The Turning Point

Wesley’s sending off in the 64th minute proved to be the decisive moment in the match. Roma struggled to cope with the numerical disadvantage, and Como capitalized, scoring twice to secure the victory. The red card shifted the momentum entirely, allowing Fabregas’s side to dominate possession and create more scoring opportunities.

What’s Next?

Como will appear to continue their impressive form when they travel to face [next opponent to be confirmed]. Roma, meanwhile, will aim to bounce back from this defeat when they host [next opponent to be confirmed] at the Stadio Olimpico. The Serie A title race and the battle for Champions League spots are heating up, and every point will be crucial in the coming weeks.

The victory for Como is a significant step towards securing a Champions League berth for the first time in club history. Fabregas’s tactical acumen and the team’s unwavering spirit have been instrumental in their success this season. For Roma, this defeat is a setback in their pursuit of a top-four finish, and Gasperini will need to rally his troops to get their campaign back on track.

This win sees Como move ahead of both Roma and Juventus, establishing themselves as serious contenders for a coveted Champions League spot. The team’s recent form has been exceptional, and they will be looking to maintain their momentum as the season progresses. The atmosphere at the Stadio Sinigaglia was electric, and the fans played a vital role in inspiring the team to victory.

Do you think Como can maintain their position in the top four and qualify for the Champions League? Share your thoughts in the comments below!