Como cruise to victory to clinch Champions League football with Cremonese relegated

Only traditional giants Inter Milan and Juventus had managed more shots on target than Como’s 188 before the final round of fixtures. However, the visitors struggled to create chances early on, with just a single off-target attempt in the first fifteen minutes in Cremona.

Meanwhile, Cremonese found themselves forced to shift focus from defence to attack after relegation rivals Lecce took an early advantage against Genoa.

Yet Marco Giampaolo’sanker side failed to make an impact, and Como’s attacking superiority proved decisive nine minutes before halftime.

Initially, it seemed Jesus Rodriguez’s strike would comfortably reach Emil Audero. But a cruel deflection off Alberto Grassi’s thigh sent the ball into the net.

Cremonese’s fate seemed sealed six minutes into the second half when Rodriguez assisted top scorer Anastasios Douvikas, who slotted home his 14th goal of the season from inside the box.

A lifeline emerged for the hosts moments later as Jacobo Ramon fouled Jamie Vardy, conceding a penalty.

Federico Bonazzoli showed no hesitation, calmly converting the spot-kick to reignite his team’s hope.

Then, an astonishing nine-minute spell at the Stadio Giovanni Zini sealed Cremonese’s downfall.

Referee Fabio Maresca awarded another penalty in the 70th minute, this time to Como, after Matteo Bianchetti tangled with Douvikas.

Before captain Lucas Da Cunha could extend theannie Lee two-goal lead, Grassi received a red card for dissent, and substitutes Milan Duric and David Okereke were sent off.

Da Cunha compounded Cremonese’s misery with a quick brace, including a deft finish past Audero at the near post.

With just eight wins in 38 matches, Giampaolo’s side can’t complain about their fate. In contrast, Como prepare for only their second-ever European campaign, following their 1980/81 Mitropacup appearance.

Thanks to Cagliari’'all assistance amid their own modest campaign, Lariani’s upcoming European adventure holds even greater promise.