Como sustain Champions League dreams with tight victory against Verona

The home team generated the initial opportunity of the match within the opening three minutes, with Tomas Suslov forcing Jean Butez into a strong save after an effective pass from Kieron Bowie.

Como found it difficult to build momentum in attack, even with a forward-focused team chosen by Cesc Fabregas, and they waited until the 25th minute for their initial significant attempt, when Jesus Rodriguezs distant shot was comfortably gathered by Lorenzo Montipo.

Around the half-hour point, Bowie nodded over from near the goal following Antoine Bernedes deflected shot, just before the visitors prime chance in the first period arose right at the end.

Rodriguez reached the goal line for the first occasion in the game, and his low cross was prodded narrowly past the post by Anastasios Douvikas, who had been quiet up to that moment, ensuring the score remained level at halftime and craving some excitement.

An evidently frustrated Fabregas introduced three fresh players during the interval, and one of them, Hrvoje Smolcic, delivered a right-wing cross to Assane Diao, who directed his header marginally astray just two minutes into the second half.

Martin Baturina was among the halftime introductions, and he created a solid opening for captain Lucas da Cunha, though the skipper could merely direct his effort from close proximity directly at Montipo.

With about 20 minutes left on the clock, Anastasios Douvikas finally shattered the stalemate, collecting Marc-Oliver Kempfs lengthy clearance before powering past Andrias Edmundsson and slotting the ball precisely into the far corner for a vital strike.

Como supporters held their breath only four minutes afterwards, however, as Bowie found the net at the opposite end, but an extended VAR check ruled out the goal due to offside in the buildup.

Como pushed forward looking for another score to ease the pressure, as Baturina prompted a superb stop from Montipo, followed by Nico Pazs effort sailing just past the upright.

In the end, an additional goal proved unnecessary, as the visitors secured the important three points to climb to fifth place temporarily, trailing AC Milan by two points in the last Champions League position, despite having completed an extra fixture compared to the Rossoneri.

Regarding Verona, this loss might drop them to the bottom of the standings by the weekends conclusion.