Lens-Como: Paz's emotional tribute to Jesus de Miguel after scoring

Paz scored in Como's 9-1 Champions League rout of Lens and paid tribute to Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who died from a collision during a match.

Como midfielder Nico Paz delivered a standout performance in his team's dominant 9-1 Champions League victory over Lens on Wednesday, but the moment that defined the evening came after he scored the third goal. Rather than celebrate, Paz retrieved a shirt bearing the image of Jesus de Miguel, the Tenerife striker who died on Tuesday from injuries sustained in a collision during a match the previous day. Paz, who was born in Tenerife to Argentine parents and began his football career at CD Tenerife—the same club where de Miguel played—displayed visible emotion as he held up the tribute. He had posted on Instagram the day before: "I can't believe it."

Paz, a 22-year-old Argentine international with 14 caps and 4 goals, remained focused throughout the match despite the heavy context, continuing to torment Lens's defence without appearing to over-celebrate. After the final whistle, Como manager Cesc Fabregas praised Paz's performance alongside those of his other left-footed players. "I have a weakness for left-footers, I find them exceptional, and I thought so even when I played," Fabregas said. "We didn't recruit them all intentionally, but that's how they arrived. The most important thing is that they understand our style of play and integrate well."