The Rocky Road of Como 1907 in the Champions League: Cesc Fabregas Faces Three European Giants

Como 1907 immediately faces a gruelling opening test upon their 2026/2027 Champions League debut. The Italian club owned by the Hartono brothers have been drawn against three European giants: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Barcelona, and Manchester United.

The 2026/2027 Champions League league phase draw took place in Monaco during the early hours of Friday WIB. As a debutant side, Como was placed in Pot 4 and ultimately landed an extremely difficult group path.

PSG stands as one of the toughest opponents, having won the Champions League title for two consecutive seasons.

Barcelona also poses a massive challenge, backed by their long, decorated history in Europe's elite club competition.

Meanwhile, despite only recently returning to the top European stage, Manchester United holds extensive long-standing experience at continental level.

Beyond these three major names, Como will also face Feyenoord, Real Betis, RB Leipzig, RC Lens, and AEK Athens.

From Serie C To The Champions League Stage

Como's journey to reach Europe's elite competition represents an extraordinary meteoric rise over a short period.

Como 1907 President Mirwan Suwarso admitted he still struggles to believe the club that competed in Italy's third division Serie C just a handful of seasons ago is now set to play in the Champions League.

"We can barely believe this. Just being here means so much for us. We are taking this one day at a time. We will give everything we have and enjoy every single moment of this," he stated, as quoted by Football Italia.

Now, the challenge awaits in the league phase. Como will have to benchmark their ability against sides with far greater European competition experience, squad quality, and historical pedigree.

Unfazed By Big Name Opposition

Despite being drawn against elite clubs, Mirwan confirmed Como will not allow themselves to be intimidated by their opponents' reputations.

"We can only do our best, the results will follow. The most important thing for all of us is to enjoy this journey," he added.

As debutants, they hold an advantage: they carry none of the heavy historical pressure and expectations that weigh on sides like PSG, Barcelona or Manchester United.

This campaign also gives Como a rare opportunity to properly measure the team's development at the absolute highest level of club football.

For a club that was playing in Italy's third tier just a few seasons prior, facing PSG alone is already an historic milestone.

Cesc Fabregas' Greatest Challenge

On the pitch, this enormous task falls to head coach Cesc Fabregas. The former Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder must now prepare Como to navigate a fixture schedule of unprecedented difficulty.

Beyond just the quality of their opposition, travelling for away matches at some of Europe's most iconic stadiums will also present its own unique set of challenges.

The three fixtures against PSG, Barcelona and Manchester United will act as the ultimate benchmark for both Como and Fabregas to prove how far this team can compete.

Just a few years ago this club was fighting for survival in Serie C. Now they are preparing to face PSG, Barcelona and Manchester United. On paper the gap in class appears enormous, but Como have no intention of simply making up the numbers.