Champions League 2026-27: Como’s Nine-Goal Win and More

The 2026-27 UEFA Champions League season is delivering an extraordinary number of goals, dramatic comebacks and standout individual performances. Four matchdays into the expanded league phase, attacking football has become one of the competition’s defining features, with Manchester United, Como, Paris Saint-Germain and several star players providing plenty of talking points.

Teams are scoring at a higher rate than in the previous two editions of the competition. During the 2024-25 league phase, clubs averaged 1.63 goals per match, increasing slightly to 1.69 in 2025-26. This season, the average has climbed to 2.02 goals per game after four matchdays.

Wednesday’s fixtures offered another example of the competition’s attacking nature. Six of the nine matches featured at least five combined goals. Three ended 3-2, including Fenerbahce’s comeback victory over Liverpool and away wins for Manchester City against RB Leipzig and Real Madrid against AEK Athens.

However, the biggest result belonged to Como, who produced a remarkable 9-1 victory over Lens. In their first Champions League campaign, the Italian club have scored 19 goals across their opening four matches, winning three of them.

Champions League Goal Scoring Continues to Rise

The increase in Champions League scoring is not limited to one competition. Several major European domestic leagues have also experienced a rise in goals during the early stages of the season.

Scoring is up 7.8% in Ligue 1, 8.0% in the Bundesliga and 10.0% in LaLiga. The increases are even more significant in the Eredivisie, where goals are up 20.1%, and Serie A, which has recorded a 23.9% rise.

Much of the increase has come from open-play situations rather than a major rise in penalties. The Premier League has moved in the opposite direction, with scoring down 2% so far this season.

The expanded Champions League league phase may be contributing to the attacking approach. With more matches and greater room to recover from an occasional defeat, teams may feel more comfortable taking risks. Whatever the reason, the current trend is producing entertaining football and memorable scorelines.

Here are five major talking points following another eventful Champions League matchday.

Main Character No. 1: Manchester United’s Dramatic Comeback

Manchester United produced one of the most dramatic performances of their 2026-27 campaign at Old Trafford on Tuesday. The match against Roma included poor defending, supporter protests, a missed penalty, a VAR intervention and a remarkable late turnaround.

United’s first-half performance was particularly disappointing. Roma scored twice early in the match, leaving the home side looking vulnerable and struggling to respond. The visitors’ two-goal advantage also increased the frustration among supporters, who had already endured a nine-match winless run.

The atmosphere at Old Trafford reflected the wider problems surrounding the club. Supporters threw tennis balls onto the pitch in protest against what they viewed as administrative incompetence and the team’s continued poor results.

Bruno Fernandes appeared frustrated as United struggled to find a way back into the match. The captain eventually had an opportunity to reduce the deficit from the penalty spot, but his initial attempt did not provide the breakthrough the home side needed.

A second opportunity followed after a VAR intervention, allowing Fernandes to take another penalty. This time, he converted, giving United a route back into the contest.

The goal changed the atmosphere inside Old Trafford. The home supporters became louder, and United began playing with greater urgency. The team created several opportunities to equalise but initially struggled to finish them.

Eventually, United found the goals they needed. Matheus Cunha scored twice as the home side completed a dramatic comeback, turning a difficult evening into a potentially important victory.

“WHAT A COMEBACK FROM MANCHESTER UNITED 🤯 It’s Matheus Cunha at the double and Old Trafford is rocking 🔴” CBS Sports Golazo, November 3, 2026.

For Roma, the defeat continued a worrying pattern in European competition. They had previously surrendered a one-goal advantage in a draw against Fenerbahce and have now lost after leading by two goals against both Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Roma have taken the lead in all four of their Champions League matches but have collected only four points. Their inability to protect advantages has become a major problem, although their opponents also deserve credit for taking advantage of the opportunities presented to them.

Michael Carrick Still Faces a Difficult Challenge

The comeback has provided Michael Carrick with some breathing room, but it does not erase the concerns surrounding Manchester United’s season. The victory prevented their winless streak from reaching double figures, yet the team’s overall performances remain inconsistent.

United’s upcoming schedule is demanding. They host Aston Villa on Sunday, before travelling to Liverpool and Sporting CP after the international break. They will then welcome Brentford and visit Newcastle United.

The results of those matches could determine whether Tuesday’s comeback becomes the beginning of a genuine recovery or simply a temporary moment of relief.

During their nine-match winless run, United scored six goals from chances worth 9.9 expected goals (xG) and conceded 18 from attempts worth 16.6 xG. Although those figures suggest some poor fortune, the team also recorded a negative expected-goal difference in every match of the sequence.

That indicates that United’s problems were not simply the result of unlucky finishing or goalkeeping. Their performances were genuinely below the required standard, and Carrick has to accept some responsibility for that.

However, the club’s recruitment and squad construction have also created significant challenges. United have struggled with their left-back options, while several expensive players have failed to provide consistent availability or performances.

Luke Shaw has experienced recurring injury problems, while Diogo Dalot is naturally a right-back and Ayden Heaven is a young centre-back. Meanwhile, Carlos Baleba, signed for €75.9 million, has managed only 397 minutes because of injuries and has suffered another setback.

Several other players, including Benjamin Sesko, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount, Noussair Mazraoui, Lisandro Martinez, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee, have also struggled to deliver the consistent performances expected from them.

Carrick has nevertheless managed to get improved contributions from Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Kobbie Mainoo and Fernandes compared with the previous period under Ruben Amorim. That progress could support the argument for giving him more time rather than immediately appointing another high-profile manager.

United’s season remains difficult to rescue. They are not expected to challenge for the Champions League title, while Opta projections give them only a 9.5% chance of finishing in the Premier League’s top seven. Carrick will need more performances like Tuesday’s comeback if he is to change that outlook.

Main Character No. 2: PSG Continue to Dominate Europe

Paris Saint-Germain delivered another emphatic performance, defeating Villarreal 6-0 despite missing several important players. The result further strengthened their position as one of the leading teams in this season’s Champions League.

Villarreal had already experienced a difficult start to their European campaign, losing heavily in matches against Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool after facing Napoli. Even so, they would have hoped to make the home encounter with PSG more competitive.

Those hopes disappeared quickly. PSG scored four goals within the opening 17 minutes before completing a 6-0 victory.

The French champions were without several prominent players, including Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, Marquinhos and Nuno Mendes. Their absence did little to reduce the quality of the team selected by manager Luis Enrique.

PSG still had an attacking group featuring Désiré Doué, Maghnes Akliouche and Senny Mayulu, supported by midfielders Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz and João Neves. Achraf Hakimi also provided attacking quality from right-back.

Ferran Torres, a World Cup-winning goalscorer, came off the bench, while 17-year-old full-back David Boly also found the net. The performance demonstrated the depth of PSG’s squad and their ability to produce goals even when several established players are unavailable.

PSG’s Perfect Champions League Start

PSG have won all four of their opening Champions League matches, including encounters against Manchester City and Barcelona. They have scored 20 goals and conceded only five, giving them an impressive goal difference of plus 15.

Their domestic and European performances have been equally convincing. The two-time defending Champions League winners have recorded 10 consecutive victories in all competitions, scoring 36 goals and conceding nine during that run.

Luis Enrique has also rotated his squad regularly, partly because of injuries and partly to manage the workload of his players. Despite those changes, the team has maintained its attacking rhythm and continued to collect victories.

According to Opta’s power ratings, PSG have experienced the largest improvement in their expected league-phase points total among the teams competing in this season’s Champions League.

Real Madrid have also made a perfect start, although several of their victories have involved late drama and narrow margins. Club Brugge and Real Betis have also recorded significant improvements in their projected totals, with Betis suffering their first setback in a 2-1 defeat against Borussia Dortmund.

At the other end, Slavia Prague, Lille, AEK Athens and Slovan Bratislava have struggled to meet expectations. Their combined record stands at one win and five points from 16 matches, although Slavia produced a competitive performance against Arsenal despite losing 2-1.

Other established teams have also experienced difficult starts. Porto lost their first three matches before defeating Napoli, Roma have struggled to protect leads, and Manchester United have suffered a significant decline in their projected league-phase points total.

Main Character No. 3: Como’s Extraordinary 9-1 Victory Over Lens

Como produced one of the most remarkable performances of the Champions League season by defeating Lens 9-1 away from home. The result was not simply a case of a team scoring from a handful of fortunate opportunities. It was an attacking display built around quick passing, intelligent movement and clinical finishing.

The Italian side have adapted impressively to the demands of competing in domestic and European Football during their first Champions League campaign. They have lost only two of their opening 14 matches in all competitions, scored at least twice on 10 occasions and reached four goals in four matches.

They have also recorded major victories over Manchester United and RB Leipzig and won away against Napoli. Their performance against Lens further strengthened the impression that Cesc Fàbregas is building a team capable of competing with established European clubs.

Como’s Attacking Players Make the Difference

Como have several attacking players contributing to their impressive start. Nico Paz, aged 22, has recorded six goals and eight assists in all competitions. Martin Baturina, 23, has contributed five goals and two assists, while experienced centre-forward Anastasios Douvikas has scored 11 goals and provided one assist.

The team have also managed to remain productive despite the limited availability of injured forward Moise Kean, who has played only 158 minutes this season.

Against Lens, Como attempted 18 shots worth a combined 4.3 expected goals. They exceeded that figure by approximately 109%, demonstrating how effectively they converted their opportunities.

Douvikas was particularly clinical, scoring all three of his attempts despite those chances carrying a combined expected-goals value of 1.7.

How Como Scored Nine Goals

A closer look at the nine goals shows how Como repeatedly exposed Lens through movement, quick transitions and accurate finishing. Almost every successful attempt came from a dangerous position, with all but one shot taken from inside 12 metres.

• First goal – 7th minute: Douvikas scored from 3.0 metres after a short-corner routine. Maximo Perrone directed the ball towards goal with a header, and Douvikas finished the opportunity. Perrone was credited with the assist.
• Second goal – 32nd minute: Douvikas scored again from 5.7 metres. Nico Paz found space on the right during a quick transition and sent the ball towards Alex Valle. Valle prevented it from going out of play before Douvikas converted from close range.
• Third goal – 40th minute: Paz scored from 10.0 metres following a quick move involving Lucas da Cunha, Valle, Maxence Caqueret and Douvikas. Paz finished from the right side and dedicated his goal to the late Spanish forward Jesús de Miguel.
• Fourth goal – 47th minute: Lucas da Cunha scored from 12.1 metres after an impressive passing sequence involving Paz and Yan Couto. The move highlighted Como’s ability to combine patiently before attacking quickly.
• Fifth goal – 53rd minute: Marc-Oliver Kempf headed home from 8.1 metres after Luis Milla delivered a cross from the left. Caqueret helped initiate the move with a quick pass.
• Sixth goal – 57th minute: Douvikas completed his hat-trick from 15.6 metres. Como moved quickly from midfield through Perrone and Paz before the striker finished the attack.
• Seventh goal – 62nd minute: Substitute Mattia Liberali scored from 10.8 metres after Jacobo Ramon created space for him on the right. The 19-year-old finished the move despite several of Como’s main attacking players having already been substituted.
• Eighth goal – 69th minute: Martin Baturina scored from 11.9 metres after combining with Liberali. The substitutes continued to exploit the space through the centre of Lens’ defence.
• Ninth goal – 90+1st minute: Substitute Matteo Papaccioli, aged 18, completed the scoring from 11.7 metres. Liberali provided the assist, and the goal was eventually awarded after initially being ruled offside.

The result made Como only the second team in Champions League history to score nine goals in a single match.

“A MOMENT FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS! 📚 Como become just the second team in #UCL history to score NINE goals in a single game.” CBS Sports Golazo, November 4, 2026.

Como’s performance was particularly impressive because the goals came from different types of attacking situations. They scored through set-piece pressure, quick transitions, crosses, combinations in central areas and individual finishing.

Lens struggled to track the Italian side’s movement and repeatedly left dangerous spaces for attackers to exploit. Como’s quick touches and ability to create passing angles made it difficult for the home defence to maintain its shape.

With their attacking chemistry continuing to improve, Como have become one of the most entertaining teams to watch in this season’s competition.

Main Character No. 4: Gianluigi Donnarumma’s Recent Goalkeeping Struggles

Gianluigi Donnarumma has been recognised as one of Europe’s leading goalkeepers since breaking into AC Milan’s first team at the age of 16, approximately 11 years ago. His shot-stopping ability has remained his biggest strength, even though his distribution and passing have not always matched the standards of his goalkeeping.

Both Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City have valued his ability to prevent goals. Over several seasons, he has consistently performed positively according to Stats Perform’s Goals Prevented metric.

The statistic compares the post-shot expected goals of shots faced by a goalkeeper with the number of goals actually conceded. A positive figure indicates that the goalkeeper has prevented more goals than the model would have expected.

Donnarumma’s Goals Prevented Record

His figures over the previous seasons highlight a significant change in his current campaign.

• 2021-22 (PSG): +5.0 goals prevented.
• 2022-23 (PSG): +7.8 goals prevented.
• 2023-24 (PSG): +12.6 goals prevented.
• 2024-25 (PSG): +2.0 goals prevented.
• 2025-26 (Manchester City): +6.8 goals prevented.
• 2026-27 (Manchester City): -1.2 goals prevented.

The latest figure represents a sharp change from his previous performances. Although Donnarumma has produced several strong displays this season, his recent run has raised questions about his form.

He made three important saves during Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Coventry City, recording +1.8 goals prevented. He also produced three saves in a 2-1 win against Bournemouth and six in a 3-0 victory over Liverpool, recording +0.7 in both matches.

However, his performances over the last six matches in all competitions have been considerably weaker. Beginning with City’s 4-2 defeat against PSG, he has recorded minus-4.0 goals prevented.

That run includes defeats against PSG and Aston Villa, matches in which stronger goalkeeping performances might have helped City secure draws. His display against RB Leipzig on Wednesday also attracted attention after he conceded twice from shots on target with a combined post-shot expected-goals value of 2.0.

“Ridle Baku sneaks one in at the near post past Donnarumma.” CBS Sports Golazo, November 4, 2026.

Manchester City still managed to defeat RB Leipzig, but their wider defensive record remains a concern. They have lost three of their last seven matches in all competitions and conceded 12 goals during that period.

It would be premature to suggest that Donnarumma’s recent performances signal the end of his status as an elite goalkeeper. Six matches represent a relatively short period, and his previous seasons provide substantial evidence of his quality.

Nevertheless, the current decline has been costly for City. Their attacking strength has helped them overcome some defensive problems, but they will need greater consistency from their goalkeeper and back line as the season progresses.

Main Character No. 5: Champions League Midway Best XI

With the league phase reaching its halfway point, several players have already produced performances that deserve recognition. Based on their contributions across the opening four matchdays, the following selection highlights the standout performers in each position.

Goalkeeper: David Raya – Arsenal

David Raya has provided reliability behind Arsenal’s defence. Although the team’s defensive structure often limits the number of difficult saves he must make, he has stopped 10 of the 14 shots on target he has faced and recorded +1.8 goals prevented.

He also contributes to Arsenal’s build-up play. Raya was particularly important against Slavia Prague, making four saves in a competitive match. Yann Sommer of Club Brugge is named as the backup option.

Right-Back: Achraf Hakimi – PSG

Hakimi’s attacking contribution and defensive quality make him a standout selection. He has recorded one assist, created 12 chances and received 57 line-breaking passes, the highest figure among defenders in the competition.

His ability to move forward and influence attacking sequences makes him an important part of PSG’s system. Feyenoord’s Givairo Read is the backup choice.

Centre-Back: Mykola Matvilenko – Shakhtar Donetsk

Matvilenko has been influential in Shakhtar’s defensive and build-up play. He has completed 57 progressive carries, the second-highest total among defenders, alongside 36 progressive passes, placing him fifth in that category.

His total carry distance stands at 1,401 metres, the highest among defenders. The 30-year-old has provided stability and helped Shakhtar remain in a position to progress from the league phase. Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsí is the backup selection.

Centre-Back: Dayot Upamecano – Bayern Munich

Upamecano’s role in Bayern’s high defensive line requires him to defend large spaces, often leaving him isolated against opposing attackers. While those situations can make his performances difficult to evaluate, his ability to handle one-on-one challenges remains important to Bayern’s system.

He also provides quality when playing out from the back. Club Brugge defender Brandon Mechele is the backup option.

Left-Back: David Raum – RB Leipzig

Raum has been heavily involved in both attacking and defensive situations for Leipzig. Among defenders, he ranks third in chances created with 10, eighth in progressive passes with 34, second in crosses with 34 and second in tackle attempts with 21.

His workload reflects Leipzig’s defensive challenges, but he continues to make important contributions in attack. João Cancelo of Barcelona is the backup choice.

Defensive Midfield: Declan Rice – Arsenal

Rice has been one of the most influential midfielders in the competition. He leads all midfielders in progressive carries with 48, progressive passes with 63 and total carry distance with 1,487 metres.

He has also completed 54 line-breaking passes, ranking third, and recorded 24 ball recoveries, placing him eighth. His ability to contribute in possession and without the ball makes him a central figure in Arsenal’s midfield. Elliot Anderson of Manchester City is the backup selection.

Central Midfield: Fabián Ruiz – PSG

Ruiz has delivered an impressive combination of goals, passing and attacking involvement. He has scored four goals, the most by any midfielder in the competition, and attempted 14 shots, also the highest total in his position.

He leads midfielders in passes received with 283 and ranks second in both progressive passes, with 58, and line-breaking passes, with 57. His performances at the age of 30 suggest that he continues to develop as an influential player. Vitinha is the backup selection.

Attacking Midfield: Nico Paz – Como

Paz has emerged as one of the most exciting players of the Champions League campaign so far. The 22-year-old has scored three goals and provided five assists, while receiving 60 line-breaking passes, a figure surpassed only by Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.

His influence goes beyond goals and assists. Paz regularly creates opportunities for teammates through his movement, passing and ability to find space between opposition defensive lines. His contribution to Como’s attacking performance against Lens further strengthened his reputation. Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid is the backup choice.

Right Wing: Lamine Yamal – Barcelona

Yamal has continued to produce impressive performances for Barcelona. He has recorded seven combined goals and assists, consisting of three goals and four assists, while receiving 73 line-breaking passes, the highest total in the competition.

He has also attempted 70 ground duels, won five one-on-one battles inside the penalty area and recorded nine ball recoveries in the attacking third. His ability to influence matches in several areas makes him one of the competition’s most dangerous attacking players.

Yamal also reached another Champions League milestone by scoring his 14th goal in the competition, becoming its all-time leading teenage goalscorer.

“Lamine stands alone 😤 Yamal scores his 14th #UCL goal to become the competition’s all-time leading teenage goalscorer.” CBS Sports Golazo, November 3, 2026.

At 19, Yamal has already established himself among the world’s leading wingers. Liverpool’s Bradley Barcola is listed as the backup option.

Centre-Forward: Harry Kane – Bayern Munich

Kane earns the centre-forward position through his overall attacking contribution. He is tied for second in combined goals and assists, with four goals and three assists, and has attempted 20 shots, the most in the competition.

His four goals have come from chances worth 4.1 expected goals, indicating slightly below-standard finishing compared with the quality of opportunities he has received. Even so, his movement, link-up play and ability to influence different phases of attacking play make him a complete option up front.

Como striker Tasos Douvikas is the backup selection after his hat-trick and impressive performances in the competition.

Left Wing: Désiré Doué – PSG

Doué completes the attacking lineup after contributing three goals and two assists. He has achieved those numbers despite playing only 218 of the available 360 minutes.

His explosive movement, creativity and confidence have made him an important part of PSG’s attacking options. At just 21, he has already demonstrated the ability to influence major European matches. Viking’s Zlatko Tripić is the backup choice.

Final Thoughts: An Entertaining Champions League Campaign

The first four matchdays of the 2026-27 Champions League have provided goals, unexpected results and individual performances that have made the expanded league phase particularly entertaining.

Manchester United’s comeback against Roma offered a dramatic reminder of how quickly a match can change. PSG continue to demonstrate their squad depth, while Como’s nine-goal performance against Lens has established them as one of the most exciting teams in the competition.

Donnarumma’s recent struggles provide a contrasting storyline, showing how even highly regarded players can experience difficult periods. Meanwhile, the midway-point Best XI highlights the individuals who have made the strongest contributions across the opening rounds.

With several matchdays still to come, the competition has plenty of room for further surprises. If the current scoring trend continues, European football fans can expect more high-scoring matches, attacking displays and memorable Champions League moments.