Anastasios Douvikas scored the decisive goal at the Bentegodi as Como defeated Verona 1-0 to officially secure European qualification and keep their Champions League dream alive on Serie A Matchday 36.
Como continued their remarkable season on Sunday with a historic victory away at Verona, clinching a guaranteed place in European competition next season thanks to a second-half strike from Anastasios Douvikas.
The Greek striker delivered the decisive moment in the 70th minute, scoring his 14th league goal of the campaign and moving Como temporarily into fifth place, just three points behind Juventus in the race for Champions League qualification.
The first half, however, belonged largely to Verona. The hosts defended with intensity and discipline while limiting Como’s attacking creativity for long stretches of the opening period.
Verona nearly grabbed the lead when Bowie wasted a golden opportunity from close range, heading over the bar with the goal at his mercy. The home side also appealed for two possible penalty incidents involving Diego Carlos inside the Como area, but referee Di Bello allowed play to continue both times.
Como manager Cesc Fabregas reacted immediately at halftime, introducing Martin Baturina and Maxence Caqueret to inject more energy into midfield and attack. The changes transformed the visitors, who steadily increased the pressure after the break.
The breakthrough finally arrived with twenty minutes remaining. A long ball from deep caught the Verona defense out of position, and Douvikas escaped the soft marking of Edmundsson before calmly finishing past Lorenzo Montipò.
Verona attempted to respond late in the match but struggled to create clear opportunities against a composed Como defense.
The final whistle sparked celebrations among the traveling supporters as Como officially secured European football for next season — a historic achievement for the Lombardy club. Fabregas’ side now remain firmly in the hunt for a sensational Champions League qualification heading into the final weeks of the season.
Match Report
Verona 0-1 Como
Scorers:
70’ Douvikas (Como)
Verona (3-5-2)
Montipò; Edmundsson, Nelsson, Valentini; Belghali (81’ Vermesan), Akpa Akpro (81’ Aguiar), Gagliardini, Bernede (63’ Lovric), Frese; Bowie, Suslov
Head Coach: Sammarco
Como (4-2-3-1)
Butez; Vojvoda (46’ Smolcic), Kempf, Diego Carlos, Valle (36’ Moreno); Da Cunha, Perrone (46’ Caqueret); Diao (81’ Van der Brempt), Nico Paz, Jesus Rodriguez (46’ Baturina); Douvikas
Head Coach: Cesc Fabregas
Referee: Di Bello
Yellow Cards: Sammarco, Caqueret, Fabregas, Frese
Red Cards: None
