Cesc Fabregas eyes Champions League statement vs. Manchester United, with surprise support from Lionel Messi

Cesc Fabregas has the Italian upstarts favored to beat the slumping Premier League giants in an unprecedented Champions League showdown at Stadio Sinigaglia If there is one match that perfectly describes the evolution of soccer, it is the one that will take place on Wednesday between Como and Manchester United at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. On one side, one of the most legendary football clubs in the world, enduring a prolonged period of decline. On the other, a small Italian club building one of the most exciting projects in modern football thanks to financial investments, ideas and young players. On paper, you would expect Manchester United to win, but in reality, it's the opposite and Como are the favorites.

Como coach Cesc Fabregas described the match against Manchester United as "an historical night for the city," and he's right. When the Champions League draw took place in August, Como fans circled a few dates on their calendars. The first was the first-ever Champions League match at their home stadium, an incredible night of soccer that ended in a 4-1 win over RB Leipzig. Then they set their sights on the second home game, against Manchester United. A match that reflects Como's rise in modern soccer, driven by the work of the coach and the team, as well as the ambitious