Como managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Premier League champions Arsenal in a pre-season friendly held in London. Despite the equalizer, Como ultimately fell short in the ensuing penalty shootout.

The match marked an emotional return for coach Cesc Fabregas, who has previously played for both Arsenal and Chelsea. Notably, Nico Paz made a surprise appearance in the stands, returning early from vacation after representing Argentina in the World Cup. New signings Yan Couto and Mattia Liberali were rapidly integrated into the starting lineup.

In the first half, Como’s goalkeeper Jean Butez had a challenging outing, but avoided disaster when Gabriel Jesus’ attempt hit the woodwork due to an offside call. However, a misdirected kick subsequently allowed Myles Lewis-Skelly to easily score for Arsenal.

Como equalized just before halftime thanks to a striking goal from Martin Baturina, who skillfully maneuvered between two Arsenal defenders before landing a shot that found the top corner of the net.

Arsenal debuted new signing Bruno Guimaraes during the match. Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori came on as a late substitute. Trevoh Chalobah also featured for Como shortly after joining from Chelsea, while Fabio Vieira and Cristhian Mosquera registered efforts on goal. Butez proved more adept at making saves than playing out from the back, as Jesus Rodriguez posed a challenge for Arsenal at the other end. Kai Havertz nearly clinched victory for Arsenal at the last moment but was stopped by an offside decision.

Ultimately, the match proceeded to penalties, where Raya saved attempts from Ivan Smolcic and Alvaro Morata, while Madueke hit the post, resulting in a tense finish.

Final Score: Arsenal 1-1 Como (4-3 on penalties)

Goals: Lewis-Skelly 33′ (A), Baturina 43′ (C)

Arsenal: Arrizabalaga (Raya 46); Julienne (Tzolis 62), Salmon, Gabriel (Mosquera 46), Hincapie (White 62); Lewis-Skelly (Calafiori 62), Eze (Vieira 32) (Madueke 62), Nwaneri (Guimaraes 46); Dowman (Odegaard 46), Gabriel Jesus (Gyokeres 32) (Havertz 62), Martinelli (Merino 62)

Como: Butez (Tornqvist 81); Couto (Smolcic 56), Ramon (Dossena 68), Kempf (Chalobah 69), Valle (Kaiki 56); Perrone (Lahdo 68), Da Cunha; Diao (Jesus Rodrigues 56), Liberali (Kuhn 69), Baturina (Caqueret 55); Douvikas (Morata 68)

Como held Premier League Champions Arsenal to a 1-1 friendly draw in London, with Trevoh Chalobah and Yan Couto debuts, plus a great Martin Baturina goal before losing the penalty shoot-out.

It was an emotional return to London for coach Cesc Fabregas, who played for both Arsenal and Chelsea in his career. Nico Paz was a surprise guest in the stands, returning ahead of schedule from his vacation after playing for Argentina in the World Cup, but new signings Yan Couto and Mattia Liberali were thrown straight into the starting XI.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907, reacts during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Como Calcio at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Advertisement

Jean Butez had quite a few howlers in the first half, once rescued by the offside flag when Gabriel Jesus hit the woodwork, but was caught out when a misplaced kick hit Myles Lewis-Skelly, who combined with Gabriel Martinelli to turn into an empty net.

There was considerably more skill involved for the Como equaliser, as Baturina cut inside from the left, squirmed between Max Dowman and Theo Julienne, and smashed it into the near top corner.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Assane Diao of Como 1907 is put under pressure by Bruno Guimaraes of Arsenal during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Como Calcio at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Advertisement

Arsenal gave new signing Bruno Guimaraes his debut, while Riccardo Calafiori of Italy was a late substitute.

Chalobah came on for his Como debut just days after completing the transfer from Chelsea.

Fabio Vieira, Cristhian Mosquera’s header and Noni Madueke all had efforts on target, as Butez showed he is better at saving than playing out from the back, while Jesus Rodriguez tested David Raya at the other end.

Kai Havertz thought he had won it at the death for Arsenal, but was denied by the offside flag.

Instead, it was decided on a penalty shoot-out, where Raya kept out Ivan Smolcic and Alvaro Morata, while Madueke thumped the upright.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Maximo Perrone of Como 1907 is tackled by Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Como Calcio at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Advertisement

Arsenal 1-1 Como (4-3 on pens)

Lewis-Skelly 33 (A), Baturina 43 (C)

Arsenal: Arrizabalaga (Raya 46); Julienne (Tzolis 62), Salmon, Gabriel (Mosquera 46), Hincapie (White 62); Lewis-Skelly (Calafiori 62), Eze (Vieira 32) (Madueke 62), Nwaneri (Guimaraes 46); Dowman (Odegaard 46), Gabriel Jesus (Gyokeres 32) (Havertz 62), Martinelli (Merino 62)

Como: Butez (Tornqvist 81); Couto (Smolcic 56), Ramon (Dossena 68), Kempf (Chalobah 69), Valle (Kaiki 56); Perrone (Lahdo 68), Da Cunha; Diao (Jesus Rodrigues 56), Liberali (Kuhn 69), Baturina (Caqueret 55); Douvikas (Morata 68)