Como’s Champions League Aspirations Diminish Following Defeat to Sassuolo in Serie A

The visitors appeared to be the only team with something at stake this season, as the European contenders dominated possession throughout the first half, with Sassuolo content to absorb the pressure.

Como experienced their first defeat in nearly two months after relinquishing a two-goal lead against league leaders Inter at home last week. Approaching half-time, they found themselves thwarted by the Neroverdi and then faced a severe penalty for their lack of incisiveness, conceding twice within two minutes.

Fabio Grosso’s side launched a counter-attack that began in their own half, with a well-placed pass finding M’Bala Nzola in a lot of space. The forward then coolly set up Cristian Volpato, who lifted his first-time shot over the stranded Jean Butez, putting the hosts ahead.

Merely two minutes later, Nzola transitioned from provider to marksman, slotting home his first goal since November past Butez from inside the area.

However, in stoppage time, the Lariani managed to pull one back, as Nico Paz executed a looping header that found its way into the top left corner of the net, setting up a tantalising second half.

Even though they were momentarily pegged back, Sassuolo would have felt confident heading into the second stanza, given their status as the only Serie A team to have won every game in which they held the lead at half-time this season.

As the hour mark approached, Butez remained vigilant, denying Volpato’s effort as Sassuolo sought to extend their advantage.

With just over 20 minutes left on the clock, Paz came heartbreakingly close to equalising when his chipped effort from close range sailed over Stefano Turati, yet the goalkeeper managed to recover in time to thwart the ball from crossing the line.

Despite controlling the majority of possession, Como never truly threatened to secure an equaliser as they faced their first away defeat since December.

Sassuolo have now claimed victory in four of their last five home encounters, flourishing in their remarkable first season back in the top tier. This result propels them up two places to ninth, re-entering the top half of the table, while Como remains frustrated in fifth and risks watching their gap to the top four widen to five points by the close of the gameweek.