Como targets Champions playoffs, Lens seeks qualification

Forty thousand fans fill the Bollaert‑Delelis, turning it into a true cauldron, while Como persists in the European push; Tasos Douvikas, in extraordinary form, is closing in on Alessandro Del Piero's record and Vangelis Pavlidis's target in the Champions competition this season.

Cesc Fabregas's side faces Lens in a delicate battle for qualification to the Champions League playoffs, banking on Douvikas's extraordinary spell. The match represents a crucial step for their European ambition.

The Greek striker is expected to start despite the turnover and the imminent League fixture against Inter. The decision shows the coach's confidence in his offensive potential.

In Rotterdam he had only come on in the second half, finding the goal of the temporary 2‑3 against Feyenoord. That play demonstrated his ability to make an impact even when trailing.

This time it will be his turn to lead the attack from the first minute, aiming to extend a scoring streak that is drawing attention even beyond Italy. His role will be decisive for the result.

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Como's number nine has found the net against Leipzig, Feyenoord and Manchester United, becoming the main offensive outlet in Fabregas's game.

Another goal would bring him closer to a distinguished precedent: that of Alessandro Del Piero, who in the autumn of 1995 managed to score in Juventus's first five matches of their debut in the Champions League.

Fabregas's offensive identity

Douvikas's performance also tells the story of the offensive identity built by Cesc Fabregas.

Thanks to the play of Da Cunha, Nico Paz and Baturina, the Larians are posting an average of more than three goals per game in the Champions, versus the 1.8 in the League.

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Numbers that testify to Como's ability to express themselves with courage even on the European stage.

At Lens, personality and pragmatism will be needed to face a particularly intense environment and continue chasing qualification.