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

23.07.2025 | Como vs Al-Ahli | Como Cup | Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia

Como 1907 – Al-Ahli SFC 3-1

Scorers: Galeno 7’, Cutrone 30’, Demiral (OG) 48’, Azón 69’

Como 1907 claimed a 3–1 victory over reigning AFC Champions League holders Al-Ahli in the opening match of the inaugural Como Cup.

The visitors struck first with Galeno, who found the net in the 7th minute. The Lariani responded in the 30th minute: Gabriel Strefezza, later named MVP of the match, delivered a pinpoint left-footed cross to Patrick Cutrone, who nodded home his first goal of the pre-season.

Early in the second half, Como took the lead when Álex Valle’s cross was inadvertently deflected into his own net by Merih Demiral, the former Juventus and Atalanta centre-back. The final blow came in the 69th minute, as Iván Azón—scoring his third goal in two friendlies—slotted past the keeper following a well-timed assist from Douvikas.

There were also notable debuts: former Celtic winger Nicolas Kühn started and impressed with his dribbling skills in the first half, while Martin Baturina and Jayden Addai (making his second appearance) featured later on. Argentinian star, Nico Paz, also returned to action

Como will now face the winner of Thursday’s semi-final between Ajax and Celtic. The final is set for Sunday 27 July at 20:00.

Como 1907: 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: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