Feyenoord secured a 3-2 victory over Como in a closely contested UEFA Champions League match on Tuesday in Rotterdam, handing the Italian side their first defeat of the competition this season. The encounter featured former Arsenal midfielders on both teams, with Como managed by Cesc Fabregas and Feyenoord led by ex-Gunner Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Como opened the scoring in the 18th minute through Assane Diao, giving the Serie A newcomers an early advantage. However, the Dutch club responded quickly, equalizing just over two minutes later when Gjivai Zechiel finished a well-executed team move with a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area past Como goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Feyenoord took the lead shortly after halftime as Anis Hadj Moussa found the net at the near post, beating Sanchez once again. Despite the setback, Como pushed aggressively for an equalizer, with Nico Paz narrowly missing a chance as his shot went wide.

The match intensified late in the second half when a Hadj Moussa strike deflected off Jacobo Ramon, struck the upright, and then ricocheted off Sanchez’s back to extend Feyenoord’s lead in the 81st minute. Como rallied in the closing moments, and Tasos Douvikas scored with nearly the final touch of the game, but it was insufficient to alter the outcome.

Following the match, Fabregas acknowledged Feyenoord’s performance, stating his team was outplayed during the crucial phases. He noted the difficulty of playing away in the Champions League against dominant league leaders, emphasizing the challenge of securing points on the road. Como will next face Manchester United at home in their upcoming group stage fixture.