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Como’s 9‑goal masterclass leaves Lens looking like a warm‑up act
When the whistle blew in Lens, nobody expected the French side to become a backdrop for a Dutch‑Italian showcase. Instead, the Stade Bollaert‑Metropolitain turned into a runway for Nico Paz’s precision, Donyell Malen’s flair and a parade of nine goals that turned the match into a highlight reel for the Champions League.
From the first touch, Como announced they were not there to “play”. A blistering 18‑minute opening spell saw them rip apart a Lens defense that, on paper, had been a respectable mid‑table side (the exact standing remains a mystery, but they were certainly not title‑contenders). Paz opened the scoring with a low‑driven finish that left the Lens keeper grasping at air. His positioning and calm under pressure earned him an 8.69/10, the highest rating of the night.
Malen, fresh from a loan spell that’s already become the talk of the continent, added a second with a curling effort from the edge of the box. The Dutch striker’s work rate and clinical finishing were rewarded with an 8.12/10. He kept the pressure relentless, forcing Lens to chase shadows while his teammates piled on the misery.
Anastasios Douvikas, the Greek forward who has been a quiet workhorse in the group stage, finally got his moment. A well‑timed run met a lofted cross, and he slotted home to make it 4‑0. His 7.95/10 reflects a game where he was both the catalyst and the finisher, linking play and exploiting the spaces left by a bewildered Lens back line.
Jacobo Ramón, the unsung hero in midfield, dictated tempo and supplied the final pass for the ninth goal. His 7.84/10 captures a performance that combined grit with an eye for the final ball, turning what could have been a one‑sided drubbing into a tactical masterclass.
Lens, on the other hand, were a study in how not to defend a high‑pressing side. Their inability to clear set‑pieces and failure to close down the channels allowed Como to dominate possession and create at will. No official rating was issued for any Lens player, a silent acknowledgment that none rose to the occasion.
The ramifications are immediate. Como vault up the Champions League table, tightening the race for the top two spots and putting pressure on the leaders. Lens, meanwhile, slip further down the standings, their European hopes now hanging by a thread as they scramble for points in the remaining fixtures.
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Player Ratings
- Nico Paz (Como) – 8.69/10
- Donyell Malen (Como) – 8.12/10
- Anastasios Douvikas (Como) – 7.95/10
- Jacobo Ramón (Como) – 7.84/10
- Lens (Team) – N/A