Como Defeats Asian Champions Al-Ahli on Opening Day of the Como Cup

Como 1907 defeated AFC Champions League holders Al-Ahli SFC 3-1 in the opening match of the inaugural Como Cup at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia on July 23, 2025.

Al-Ahli took an early lead through Allan Saint-Maximin in the 7th minute. Como equalized in the 30th minute when MVP Gabriel Strefezza delivered a cross for Patrick Cutrone to head home. Como went ahead early in the second half (48') after Merih Demiral scored an own goal from Álex Valle's cross. Iván Azón sealed the victory in the 69th minute, slotting home following an assist from Douvikas for his third goal in two friendlies.

The match featured notable debuts, with Nicolas Kühn impressing in the first half. Martin Baturina and Jayden Addai (second appearance) came on later, while Argentinian Nico Paz also returned to action.

Como advances to face the winner of the semi-final between Ajax and Celtic, with the final scheduled for July 27th at 20:00.

**Como Lineup:** Butez; Strefezza (Azon 60’), Cutrone (Douvikas 45’, Gabrielloni 68’), Jack (Goldaniga 60’), Kühn (Addai 45’), Sergi Roberto (Perrone 45’), Smolčić (Kempf 60’), Da Cunha (Paz 60’), Valle (Vojvoda 60’), Van der Brempt (Engelhardt 60’), Caqueret (Baturina 60’). *Subs not used:* Vigorito, Sgarbi, Le Borgne, Andrealli. *Coach:* Cesc Fàbregas

**Al-Ahli Lineup:** Mendy; Ibañez, Mahrez, Alex, Galeno, Eid, Demiral, Saad, Rayan, Kessié, Alla. *Subs:* Abdo, Bader, Bakor, Bassam, Sumayhan, Toney, Fahad, Yaseen, Dams, Ziyad Caljohani, Ramez Alattar, Al Khaibari Abdulelah, Ammar Jr. *Referee:* Calvazara *Assistants:* Lo Cicero – Luciani *Fourth Official:* Colombo