Cesc Fàbregas' Como stuns Manchester United with 4-1 Champions League rout

Matchday three of the Champions League delivered an unexpected jolt in the afternoon slot. Como, managed by Cesc Fàbregas, swept Manchester United aside with a 4-1 victory that leaves no room for debate and turns the Italian side into one of the early revelations of the tournament. Far from grinding out a result, the home team produced a stylish attacking display against a three-time European champion going through a rough patch.

• Como beat Manchester United 4-1 on matchday three of the Champions League.
• Nico Paz delivered another impressive performance under Cesc Fàbregas.
• Manchester United are now six matches without a win and Carrick's future is in doubt.
• Real Madrid needed two big Courtois saves before beating Leipzig 4-1.
• Harry Kane has scored in ten consecutive Champions League matches.

Como's football exhibition shakes up the Champions League

Como did more than just beat Manchester United; they did it with a recognizable and aesthetically pleasing style. The Italian outfit avoids long balls and relies on quick circulation, with players offering themselves constantly and lines moving forward in harmony. Almost every sequence is played in two touches, allowing the ball to travel fluently and making it easy for Fàbregas' men to find the third man.

That approach dismantled a Manchester United side that looked unrecognizable. The English club, with three European Cups in its trophy cabinet, performed far below the level demanded by the competition. The heavy defeat leaves United in a difficult spot and fuels the debate over Michael Carrick's future in the dugout, particularly after six matches without a win.

Nico Paz, the Real Madrid academy gem shining in Italy

Beyond the collective performance, Como finds in Nico Paz a footballer in top form. The Argentine playmaker, developed in Real Madrid's academy and sold to the Italian club, has become one of the most influential pieces in Fàbregas' project. His ability to operate between the lines, combine with precision and arrive in the box makes him one of the most intriguing players in this opening phase of the Champions League.

Performances like the one he delivered against Manchester United once again raise questions about Real Madrid's decision to let one of its academy jewels leave. In Lombardy, Paz has found continuity and an environment that maximizes his talent, something that does not always happen for young players who depart the Spanish capital.

Real Madrid ride Courtois saves to a 4-1 win over Leipzig

The night at the Santiago Bernabéu began with scares for Real Madrid. With the score still level, Thibaut Courtois intervened twice to deny Leipzig what looked like certain goals. Those saves kept Madrid in the game during a stretch in which the match could have turned against them.

Once they survived that pressure, the familiar script took over. Carlo Ancelotti's side ended up winning 4-1 with limited effort, a result that strengthens their position in the standings and confirms the team's reliability in key European matches during the league phase.

Harry Kane extends Champions League scoring streak to rescue Bayern

The most anticipated match of the day lived up to its billing. Bayern Munich and Arsenal played out a thrilling 2-2 draw that produced one standout name: Harry Kane. The English striker once again showed how dependent the Bavarians are on his presence and his reading of the game.

With Bayern trailing, Kane created the assist for Alphonso Davies to level the score. Then the striker converted a penalty to put his team ahead. The stat attached to his performance is historic: he has now scored in ten consecutive Champions League matches, a streak that puts him in the Ballon d'Or conversation just days before the winner is announced. His closest rival in that debate, at least publicly, is Lamine Yamal.

Betis and Aston Villa join the group of perfect leaders

The European night also gave Real Betis reasons to celebrate. The Spanish side collected their third straight victory and boast a perfect record of nine points, placing them level with PSG, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Aston Villa at the top of the table. It is a brilliant start for a club moving with serious ambition in the new Champions League format.

Barcelona, meanwhile, remain inside the qualifying spots despite losing in Paris. The defeat stings, but it does not seriously damage their position. The Catalan club now faces the upcoming fixtures with the obligation to get back to winning ways and avoid late drama.

What is at stake for Manchester United after the Como rout

The 4-1 defeat leaves Manchester United in a very difficult position. With six matches without a win and a poor image in Europe, Carrick's project is now dangerously close to collapse. The English board will have to decide in the coming weeks whether to stick with the coach or make a drastic change on the bench.

In terms of the standings, United are in an uncomfortable spot in the league phase. They need an immediate reaction to avoid an early Champions League exit, a failure that would deepen the sporting crisis at a club accustomed to competing for trophies.