Martin Baturina scored Como’s first goal in Champions League play on Thursday night, turning a loose ball into a historic 1-0 lead against Leipzig. The finish gave Como its first breakthrough on the competition’s biggest stage and put Baturina at the center of the club’s debut campaign.
The move began with a cross from Anastasios Douvikas, and when Ridle Baku tried to clear, the ball stayed alive in the area. Baturina took control, feinted past David Raum, and finished. It was the kind of goal that changes more than a scoreline: for Como, it was the first Champions League goal in the club’s history.
The timing made it matter even more. Como reached the Champions League for the first time after a strong Serie A season last year, so every touch against Leipzig carried the weight of a new level for the club. Before the opener, Leipzig had already threatened through Antonio Nusa, and Maarten Vandevoordt had stopped a shot from Anastasios Douvikas, a reminder that the match could have moved the other way before Como struck.
That is what made Baturina’s finish feel decisive. Como had to absorb pressure, survive a scare, and then punish the opening when it came. The club has its first Champions League goal now, and with it a marker it can carry into the rest of the competition. What remains is the bigger question his goal only sharpened: how far can Como go after announcing itself on this stage against Leipzig?
