Diao: ‘A childhood dream come true’ to score on Champions League debut
COMO, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 10: Assane Diao of Como 1907 celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Como 1907 and RB Leipzig at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on September 10, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Assane Diao admits he ‘dreamed of this moment and it came true’ after scoring on his Champions League debut for Como against RB Leipzig.
It was the ideal start to their first ever Champions League campaign, crushing RB Leipzig 4-1 with goals from Martin Baturina, Tasos Douvikas, Diao and Maxi Perrone.
The only blemish on a flawless performance was the Andrija Maksimovic strike, which came from a mistake playing out from the back.
“A win in the first Champions League game, we cannot have asked for more. We’re all happy with the result, but also the performance and the joy of our fans,” Diao told Sky Sport Italia.
Sensational from Diao 🤩
Assane Diao extends Comos’ lead with another huge shot 🔥
📺 Watch now on TNT Sports & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/sfHUcbCNm8
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 10, 2026
Despite it being the debut for many of these players in the Champions League, they were not remotely fazed by the occasion, playing with their usual style.
“It is the dream of all kids, I watched the Champions League games for my whole life. After the Genoa win, I was thinking of listening to the theme music, and it was wonderful when it happened today,” added Diao.
“We must all dream, that is the greatest thing in life. I dreamed of this moment and it came true.”
It was certainly a great birthday present, as Diao only turned 21 on Monday and joined the club in 2025, but barely played due to a foot fracture and then thigh strain.
Como are the only Italian side to win in Champions League Matchday 1, following defeats for Inter and Napoli, plus a 1-1 draw for Roma away to Fenerbahce.
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