Como showcased their Serie A ambitions with a commanding first-half display, securing a crucial 3-1 victory over struggling Lecce.
At a bustling Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, Como dismantled Lecce’s challenge with a devastating trio of goals before the break. This emphatic win pushes the home side further up the Serie A table.
Sitting sixth in the league, Como entered the fixture with European aspirations, their recent form showing a strong WDLDW pattern. Lecce, however, occupied 17th place, embroiled in a relegation battle. Their LWWLD form highlighted their urgent need for points.
The game sparked into life when Lecce surprisingly took the lead in the 13th minute. Lassana Coulibaly expertly guided home a precise assist from Lameck Banda, silencing the home crowd.
Como’s response was swift and emphatic. Just five minutes later, in the 18th minute, Anastasios Douvikas leveled the score. Jesús Rodriguez provided the assist, setting up a clinical finish that restored parity.
The momentum firmly shifted to the hosts. In the 35th minute, Como seized control when Jesús Rodriguez himself found the back of the net. Máximo Perrone delivered the pass, allowing Rodriguez to slot his shot past the goalkeeper.
Como continued their relentless attack. On the cusp of halftime, in the 44th minute, Marc-Oliver Kempf extended Como’s lead to 3-1. Lucas Da Cunha whipped in a dangerous ball, which Kempf headed powerfully into the net.
The halftime whistle offered Lecce a momentary reprieve from Como’s first-half dominance. Manager interventions were clearly needed to stem the tide and ignite a comeback.
The second half began with tactical adjustments from both benches. Como brought on Diego Carlos for goal-scorer Kempf, while Lecce introduced S. Pierotti for C. Ndaba to shake things up.
Despite the early deficit, Lecce tried to find a way back into the match. They pressed higher, but Como’s defense held firm, limiting clear-cut opportunities for the visitors.
As the game wore on, tensions rose. Lecce's Lameck Banda earned a yellow card for a late challenge in the 71st minute. Further substitutions from both sides aimed to either secure the lead or chase the game.
Como managed the clock effectively, circulating possession and preventing Lecce from building any sustained pressure. The hosts maintained their two-goal cushion until the final whistle.
The statistics underscored Como’s control; they enjoyed 72% possession and registered 11 total shots, with 6 on target. Their expected goals (xG) stood at 2.6, far superior to Lecce’s 0.22 xG from just 4 shots. Jesús Rodriguez shone, contributing a goal and an assist.
This commanding 3-1 victory significantly bolsters Como’s push for a European spot, solidifying their position in the top half of Serie A. For Lecce, the defeat extends their struggles, intensifying their fight against relegation.
