Lens 1-9 Como: Fabregas' side produce historic Champions League demolition

Como produced a remarkable performance in northern France, thrashing RC Lens 9-1 at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis to record their first away victory in the Champions League.

Cesc Fabregas' side responded emphatically to their previous away defeat against Feyenoord, with Tasos Douvikas scoring a hat-trick and six other players finding the net in an extraordinary display. 

Lens, meanwhile, endured a night to forget despite briefly restoring some pride with a second-half consolation.

The hosts had entered the fixture looking to build on their opening group-stage victory over Slavia Prague, but their hopes of a second win were quickly undermined by Como's clinical attacking display.

Como take control in the first half:

Lens made an early attempt to take control, with veteran winger Florent Thauvin testing his compatriot and former international teammate Jean Butez inside the opening minute. 

The Como goalkeeper reacted well to push his effort behind for a corner.

However, it was the visitors who struck first seven minutes into the contest, Maximilian Perrone rose to meet Luis Milla's delivery, with the resulting corner providing the opportunity for Douvikas to head Como into the lead.

Lens looked for an immediate response, but Thorgan Hazard sent a header wide after a quick attacking move. 

The hosts also appealed for a penalty following a handball incident, only for VAR to rule in Como's favour after a lengthy review.

There was a brief stoppage when Lens forward Franjo Ivanovic and Como defender Marc-Oliver Kempf both required treatment following a collision. Fortunately, both players were able to continue.

Como continued to threaten, with Nico Paz forcing a save from Robin Risser before Douvikas doubled the visitors' advantage in the 32nd minute. The Greek striker finished from close range after being set up by Spanish full-back Alex Valle.

Lens had a chance to respond through Ivanovic, but his effort from Hazard's through ball lacked the power to trouble Butez.

Instead, Como added a third shortly before half-time. Paz and Douvikas combined on the counter-attack, with the latter turning provider to tee up the Argentine midfielder, who finished to give the visitors a commanding three-goal lead.

Como run riot after the break:

Lens introduced highly rated youngster Mezian Mesloub at the interval in an attempt to spark a response, but Como showed no signs of easing off.

Just two minutes into the second half, Paz created an opportunity for Lucas Da Cunha, who made no mistake in extending the visitors' advantage.

The hosts' defensive problems continued when Kempf got on the scoresheet in the 53rd minute, converting Milla's delivery to make it five.

Douvikas then completed his hat-trick four minutes later, putting the result beyond any doubt and taking his tally to three goals for the evening.

Lens attempted to find a way back into the contest, with Mesloub combining with Hazard, but the Belgian sent his effort wide. Risser also required treatment following an injury scare, although the goalkeeper was able to continue.

Como, however, were far from finished. Substitute Mattia Liberali scored his first goal for the club after being set up by Jacobo Ramon, making it 7-0 and further compounding Lens' misery.

The hosts eventually found a consolation in the 65th minute, with Ruben Aguilar converting from a Thauvin set-piece delivery to give the home supporters something to celebrate.

Any hopes of a late revival were quickly extinguished. Martin Baturina came off the bench to score Como's eighth goal with a well-placed finish, adding to an already extraordinary evening for the visitors.

There was still time for another landmark moment in stoppage time, as European debutant Matteo Pappacioli found the net to complete the 9-1 victory. The teenager became Como's third substitute to score on a memorable night for Fabregas' side.

What next for both sides?

Few would have anticipated such a one-sided contest, but Como delivered a statement performance to claim their first away victory in the Champions League.

Douvikas' hat-trick headlined an outstanding collective display, while the contribution of the substitutes underlined the depth of Fabregas' squad.

Como will now turn their attention to their next European fixture, when they host AEK Athens in three weeks' time.

Lens, meanwhile, will need to respond quickly after a damaging defeat in front of their own supporters. Their next challenge is an away trip to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, where defensive improvements will be essential if they are to avoid another difficult evening.