Morata's Unsettling Exit Sparks Debate in Como-Cagliari Clash
9 November 2025
Morata's Frustration Sparks Unconventional Exit in Como-Cagliari
Spanish striker Alvaro Morata, Como's forward, showed clear frustration during Saturday's Serie A clash with Cagliari in the eleventh round.
He started under coach Cesc Fabregas's plans but failed to deliver the expected performance, with visible signs of irritation as he asked to be substituted in the second half due to tight defensive marking.
Morata picked up a yellow card in the 62nd minute for a needless foul on Yerry Mina, then immediately removed the captain's armband and requested to leave the pitch.
According to Italian outlets including Calcio Mercato, Morata seemed frustrated by Mina's tight marking and some off-the-ball provocation, prompting the substitution in a moment described as unusual for a seasoned forward.
His three clear chances to score did not materialize, further dampening his mood and accelerating the substitution.
Morata has not scored in Serie A this season; Anastasios Douvikas, who came on for him, netted twice in 10 appearances in the 2025-2026 campaign.
Como's stance
Como's management reportedly still backs Morata, confident he will end his goalless run soon. The Spaniard joined Como on loan from Milan with an obligatory purchase clause this past summer.
Morata had earlier missed a penalty against Napoli in the previous round, continuing a run of indifferent form that dominated headlines after Saturday's substitution.
Fabregas’s comments suggested the substitution was a team decision aimed at pressuring opponents, with the coach noting that sometimes patience is required to manage difficult moments.
Despite the setback, Como remains convinced Morata will regain his scoring touch, and the club continues to back the player as they await a return to form.
Last season Morata spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Galatasaray after a limited spell at Milan, scoring seven goals and providing three assists across league, cup, and Europe in 16 appearances.
Across the previous season, Morata played 41 matches for Milan and Galatasaray, tallying 13 goals and five assists.
Team situation
With Como and Cagliari drawing 0-0, Como rose to 18 points from 11 matches, sitting seventh in Serie A and keeping pace for a top-four challenge. They missed the chance to move fifth, particularly as Juventus' draw with Torino kept the door ajar for a party of four to stay within reach.
Meanwhile, Cagliari sit on 10 points after 11 games, occupying 14th place on the table.
