Nico Paz described Como’s 4-1 home victory over Manchester United in the third round of the Champions League group stage as one of the most memorable evenings of his career.
The Argentine midfielder scored twice and provided an assist before being named Player of the Match. Speaking to Sky Sport Italia after the game, Paz said his first such award would always have a special significance.
“Yes, that’s right, it will definitely hold a very special place,” he said. “This is one of the most wonderful nights of my career. Although I’m still very young, I will never forget tonight.”
Paz had previously spoken about the ambition of playing in major matches from a young age, but admitted that starring in a victory over Manchester United had gone beyond anything he had imagined.
“I think so, it’s something I wouldn’t even dare to dream of,” he said. “My initial dream was just to be able to step onto this stage, and everything that happened tonight has completely exceeded my wildest imagination.”
He credited the entire team and the atmosphere inside the stadium for Como’s performance.
“To be honest, I’m incredibly happy right now. I think the whole team played an incredible game, and the atmosphere created with the fans was truly spectacular,” Paz added.
“We must continue to move forward with our feet on the ground, but tonight was truly one of the most wonderful nights, and I think for all Como fans, this is a night that will go down in history.”
Paz was also asked how far Como could progress in the Champions League after such a convincing result. The midfielder said the squad should focus on enjoying the win rather than setting a specific target.
“No, no, now is not the time to think about that,” he said. “Right now we have to enjoy this victory, continue to play as we are, and whatever heights we reach after that will happen naturally.”
“At the moment, we just need to enjoy the victory to the fullest, play our own style of football, and fight every game as if it were the final.”
Paz explained that his first goal came after he identified space in the defence, turned and recognised an opportunity to shoot.
“I observed that I was in a defensive gap, and I could turn comfortably. Then I saw the shooting lane and decisively took the shot, and successfully scored,” he said.
The 21-year-old was then told he had become the second-youngest South American player to score against Manchester United in the Champions League, behind only Messi.
“Oh my god, I had no idea about that record. That’s truly incredible, it’s wonderful,” Paz said.
He added that sharing the occasion with Como’s supporters and his family, who had travelled to watch him, made the achievement even more meaningful.
“Seeing them all so happy tonight, for me, that’s the most important thing.”
