Cesc Fabregas' Como side took a major step forward in the race for European qualification after coming from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over 10-man Roma. 

While Inter and AC Milan continue to battle for the title at the top of the table, the race for Champions League qualification in Serie A has been heating up, with Como, Roma and Juventus locked in a three-way fight for fourth place. 

With the win, Como gained the upper hand over Sunday's opponents, Roma, and Juventus, to move a point clear in fourth. 

Roma took an early lead at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia as Stephan El Shaarawy was felled inside the box by Diego Carlos six minutes in, with Donyell Malen on hand to slot home from 12 yards out. 

Nico Paz and Alex Valle then drew sharp saves from Mile Svilar as Como searched for a way back, before Jacobo Ramon was denied by the woodwork moments before the break. 

Paz later fired narrowly over the bar twice before Tasos Douvikas grabbed a deserved equaliser on the hour, drilling home at the near post from Valle's throughball. 

The visitors were dealt a decisive blow four minutes later, though, as Wesley was given his marching orders after receiving a second yellow card for a mistimed challenge on Assane Diao. 

The hosts duly made their man advantage count shortly after as Carlos bundled over from inside the six-yard box, sealing a potentially decisive win in Como's bid to secure Champions League football for the first time in club history. 

Data Debrief: Douvikas and Malen shine as Como earn deserved win 

Douvikas has now scored 10 goals for Como this season. The last player to score 10 or more goals in a single season for the Lariani was Stefano Borgonovo (10 in 1985-86).

The Greek striker is also the first foreign player to reach double figures for Como in a single top-flight campaign. 

Roma, meanwhile, have been buoyed by the winter signing of Malen. Despite only joining in January, the Dutchman is already the Giallorossi's top scorer in Serie A this season, with seven goals in nine league appearances. 

Como ended Sunday's affair as deserved winners, their 2.22 expected goals (xG) trumping Roma's 0.86 xG by some margin.