In the third round of the Champions League group stage, Como defeated Manchester United 4-1 at home. Nico Paz contributed two goals and one assist and was named Player of the Match. After the game, the Argentine midfielder was interviewed by Sky Sport Italia, where he discussed his performance, Como's Champions League prospects, and the record of becoming the second youngest South American player to score against Manchester United in the Champions League, trailing only Messi.
Reporter: When you received the Player of the Match award just now, they mentioned it was your "first," and you're sure to receive many more in the future. But at home, this first award will always hold a special place, right?
Paz: Yes, that's right, it will definitely hold a very special place. This is one of the most wonderful nights of my career. Although I'm still very young, I will never forget tonight.
Reporter: Yesterday you said that every child who plays football dreams of competing in such high-stakes matches from a young age. But not only did you play, you also beat Manchester United with two goals and an assist. This probably goes far beyond the scope of a dream, doesn't it?
Paz: I think so, it's something I wouldn't even dare to dream of. My initial dream was just to be able to step onto this stage, and everything that happened tonight has completely exceeded my wildest imagination. To be honest, I'm incredibly happy right now. I think the whole team played an incredible game, and the atmosphere created with the fans was truly spectacular.
We must continue to move forward with our feet on the ground, but tonight was truly one of the most wonderful nights, and I think for all Como fans, this is a night that will go down in history.
Reporter: Nico, when this competition first started this season, there were voices saying, "Nico Paz doesn't seem to be at his best from last season yet, and hasn't shown the dominance we're used to." This was said because we all strongly believed that an amazing performance like tonight's would come sooner or later. As you said, this might be the most brilliant match of your career so far, but it's also the beginning of a new chapter. I don't think anyone knows where your ceiling is right now. Selfishly, we sincerely hope that your brilliant performances can stay in Serie A for as long as possible. Of course, progressing further in the Champions League is also a major motivation for you to remain here. At this moment, how far do you think you can go in the Champions League?
Paz: No, no, now is not the time to think about that. Right now we have to enjoy this victory, continue to play as we are, and whatever heights we reach after that will happen naturally. At the moment, we just need to enjoy the victory to the fullest, play our own style of football, and fight every game as if it were the final.
Reporter: Nico, our studio reviewed your two goals and that assist using the Sky Sport tactical analysis system. Combined with the replays, can you tell us about your observations and inspirations during those key scoring moments?
Paz: The goals and the assist? Let me tell you what happened. For the first goal, I observed that I was in a defensive gap, and I could turn comfortably. Then I saw the shooting lane and decisively took the shot, and successfully scored.
Reporter: Very exciting. Also, I don't know if you're aware, but you've become the second youngest South American player to score against Manchester United in the Champions League. Do you know who is first? It's Messi. What do you have to say about this interesting record?
Paz: Oh my god, I had no idea about that record. That's truly incredible, it's wonderful. I feel like everything tonight is just unbelievable, everything I've achieved myself... To experience such a night in front of these Como fans, and with my family who made the special trip to watch, I feel incredibly happy. Seeing them all so happy tonight, for me, that's the most important thing.
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