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Como manager Cesc Fabregas has challenged his players to remain fearless when they face RC Lens in the Champions League, insisting the Italian club must continue playing the football that earned it a place among Europe’s elite.
The match is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens. It represents only the second away fixture in Como’s Champions League history, adding another major test to a remarkable European campaign.
Como Must Trust Its Historic Identity
Fabregas said Como cannot allow the occasion, the venue or the opposition to force a change in personality. The former Spain and Barcelona midfielder believes the team’s identity has been built over three years and must remain visible regardless of the result.
“We can win, we can lose, but we must always play the kind of football that got us here,” Fabregas said, according to Football Italia. He added that some teams perform confidently in domestic competition but appear frightened in the Champions League and settle for a point.
For Como, the goal is different. Fabregas wants his players to enjoy the experience while continuing to improve through high-level competition. That approach has already produced memorable victories and placed the club firmly in the spotlight during its first Champions League campaign.
Powerful European Start Raises Expectations
Como opened its home campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig before repeating the same scoreline against Manchester United at the Stadio Sinigaglia. The club’s only defeat in the competition so far came away to Feyenoord, where Como lost 3-2 in Rotterdam.
Those results have created genuine belief inside the squad. The team has also won its last five competitive matches, giving it strong momentum before the trip to France. However, the Lens atmosphere and the demands of European football will provide a very different challenge.
Fabregas acknowledged the importance of the setting, describing the atmosphere as a positive experience for his players. Rather than treating the occasion as a burden, he wants Como to embrace the pressure and use it to express its football.
Injuries Create Critical Selection Problems
Como will travel with a number of important players unavailable. Moise Kean, Trevoh Chalobah, Assane Diao, Jesus Rodriguez and Jayden Addai are all missing through injury, reducing Fabregas’ options across the squad.
The absences are particularly significant in attack. Tasos Douvikas is reportedly the only available natural centre-forward, meaning the Greece international could carry much of the attacking responsibility against Lens. Martin Baturina has also been rested, adding another complication to the team selection.
- Tasos Douvikas is expected to lead the attacking line.
- Moise Kean remains among the notable absentees.
- Trevoh Chalobah and several attacking players are unavailable.
- Como enters the match after five consecutive competitive victories.
Fabregas said fitness levels influenced his starting lineup and suggested that four or five players could make an impact from the bench. That depth could prove decisive during a demanding match in front of Lens’ passionate home support.
Fabregas Keeps Faith in His Squad
Despite the injury list, Fabregas sounded confident about the mood within the group. He said the players understood the scale of the opportunity and were ready to enjoy the occasion rather than become overwhelmed by it.
His message reflects Como’s broader transformation. The club has moved from an ambitious Italian side into an unexpected Champions League competitor, and every European match is now part of its modern history. Maintaining discipline while playing with ambition will be essential against Lens.
The fixture also arrives before a major Serie A meeting with Inter. That schedule will test Como’s physical condition and squad depth, particularly with several first-team players already sidelined.
What Is at Stake Against RC Lens?
A positive result in France would strengthen Como’s position in the Champions League league phase and further validate Fabregas’ bold footballing philosophy. Another away victory would also send a powerful message to clubs across Europe that Como is not simply participating in the competition.
Lens, meanwhile, will look to use home advantage and a loud stadium to disrupt the visitors. Como must manage the tempo, defend transitions and provide Douvikas with enough service in the final third.
The result remains uncertain, but Fabregas’ instructions are clear: Como must not abandon its principles. Whether the team returns to Italy with three points, one point or a defeat, its performance will be judged by the courage and identity it shows on the night.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Como play RC Lens?
Como is scheduled to face RC Lens on Wednesday, November 4, at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens.
What did Cesc Fabregas say about Como’s approach?
Fabregas said Como must continue playing the football that brought the club to the Champions League and should not become afraid of the occasion.
Which Como players are unavailable?
Moise Kean, Trevoh Chalobah, Assane Diao, Jesus Rodriguez and Jayden Addai are among the players reported to be absent through injury.
Who could lead Como’s attack?
Tasos Douvikas is expected to start as the only available natural centre-forward in the squad.
