Cesc Fabregas: Como's Champions League Qualification Feels Like Football University

Como clinched a first-ever Champions League place with a 4-1 win at Cremonese, helped by AC Milan’s defeat to Cagliari. Cesc Fabregas described guiding the team through this season as similar to attending football university, after securing qualification for Europe’s leading club competition for the 2026-27 campaign.

The result means Como become the 16th Italian club to appear in the Champions League or European Cup. They are only the 12th Serie A side to reach the tournament since its 1992-93 rebrand. With Roma also qualifying, the 2026-27 edition will be the first without Milan or Juventus.

Como started the final matchday knowing victory at Stadio Giovanni Zini might push them into the top four. That depended on AC Milan slipping up against Cagliari at San Siro. Milan lost 2-1, opening the door for Fabregas’ side, who then completed their task with a confident away performance.

The visitors’ attacking display featured two goals from Lucas da Cunha, who led the scoring in Cremona. Jesus Rodriguez and Tasos Douvikas added further strikes as Como dominated. Cremonese dropped to Serie B with this defeat. Tension rose when VAR checked a possible Como penalty, leading to red cards for Alberto Grassi, Milan Djuric and David Okereke.

All three Cremonese players were dismissed for foul and abusive language after the review, with Djuric and Okereke sent off from the bench. Those decisions arrived within 61 seconds during the second half. While the hosts unravelled, Como stayed composed and secured a result that will reshape their European status next season.

Como’s rise is rapid, coming just two years after ending a 21-year absence from Serie A. Fabregas highlighted the achievements of a youthful group, noting that the squad includes 15 players aged under 23. Asked to rate this success among personal milestones, Fabregas replied: "It’s right up there, because of the way we did it. This is a squad full of kids, we’ve got 15 players who are all under 23, so it’s a masterpiece from the whole team. They listened, always wanted to do more, raised the bar at the right time. I can only tip my hat to these players, because we coaches try to push them on, give options, tell them where the space is, but they are the ones who have to do it on the pitch. I am so happy for the people of Como, they deserve this joy."

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The club shared Fabregas’ emotional words with the squad, underlining the bond inside the dressing room. The coach addressed the players with a message that reflected deep appreciation for their attitude and unity across the season, and the speech was later posted on social media for supporters to witness.

Como, Cesc Fabregas and Champions League coaching future

Fabregas’ work at Como has attracted attention from major clubs, including Real Madrid. Reports linked Fabregas with the vacancy there, although Jose Mourinho now appears likely to replace Alvaro Arbeloa. Fabregas remains happy with Como, where the role covers wide responsibility across the club’s football structure.

Fabregas explained the scale of that responsibility in detail. "I always say that I had to make many decisions here, because I was practically given the keys to the football side of things, and there was practically nothing when we started," he added. "I was talking to two physios today who were with us four years ago when I came, we didn’t have a training ground, so we’d do massages on tables in the back room of a bar! Now, we are in the Champions League! It is my second year and a half as a coach, so thanks to the staff for the way they push and inspire me, and understand me. I realise I’m tough to deal with at times, but this is my life, always trying to do more. I have grown so much in this experience. It has been like going to a football university every day, because I had to make so many decisions. The day I do leave here, I will become just a coach."

The journey from makeshift facilities to Champions League qualification highlights Como’s changing status in Italian football. Fabregas’ comments point to a coach still developing but already delivering major results. For Como supporters, this season brings historic progress, while the 2026-27 competition will carry a different Italian look without Milan or Juventus.