Nico Paz powers Como past Juventus and puts Real Madrid on alert for buy back

By Canadian Press on October 19, 2025.

ROME (AP) — At this rate, it’s only a matter of time before Real Madrid buys back Nico Paz from Como.

The 21-year-old Argentina playmaker scored one goal and set up another as Como beat visiting Juventus 2-0 in Serie A on Sunday to hand the Bianconeri their first loss of the season.

A product of Madrid’s youth system, Paz was sold by the Spanish power to Como last year with a clause that allows it to re-acquire him by June 2027 — or after this season.

With four goals and four assists, Paz has been involved in eight of Como’s nine scores this season. And both goals against Juventus were highlight-worthy.

Four minutes in, Paz provided a perfect cross on a set play for Marc-Oliver Kempf to redirect in following a corner.

Then toward the end of the second half, Paz gathered a long ball on a counterattack, cut inside and drilled a curving shot into the far corner without even looking at the goal.

Madrid will certainly have been watching, since it faces Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Also watching from the stands in Como were former Arsenal coach and striker, Arsene Wenger and Thierry Henry, respectively — and Como coach Cesc Fabregas, who was serving the second match of a two-game suspension for protests.

Como moved level on points with Juventus, three points behind leaders Inter Milan, Napoli and Roma.

Later, AC Milan had a chance to reclaim the lead with a victory over winless Fiorentina at the San Siro.

Juventus, meanwhile, has not won in more than a month — since edging Inter 4-3 on Sept. 13.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Andrew Dampf, The Associated Press