Pafos FC and Red Star Belgrade face off in the second leg of their Champions League playoff tie, with Pafos holding a slender lead from the first leg. This match is a significant opportunity for Pafos, a relatively new club aiming for its first Champions League group stage appearance, while Red Star Belgrade, a European powerhouse, are determined to reach the competition for the third consecutive year. The return of key players for Red Star boosts their chances, and despite a tough first leg, they are favored to overturn the deficit and secure their place in the Champions League.
Pafos FC and Red Star Belgrade are poised for a high-stakes showdown in Cyprus on Tuesday, as they complete their Champions League playoff tie. Pafos, the Cypriot champions, carry a narrow lead from the first leg, but Red Star Belgrade, a team steeped in European history, are determined to overturn the deficit and secure their place in the prestigious group stage.
The first encounter in Belgrade saw Pafos spring a surprise on home soil, with Joao Correia opening the scoring within the first minute. Pepe then extended their advantage with a penalty, before Bruno Duarte pulled one back for Red Star. This result leaves the tie delicately balanced, with everything to play for in the return leg.
For Pafos FC, this represents a monumental opportunity. Founded just 11 years ago, the club is making its debut in the Champions League, having already achieved a historic run to the Conference League knockout rounds last season. Their journey through qualifying has been impressive, eliminating Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dynamo Kyiv before edging out Red Star in Serbia. Now, Juan Carlos Carcedo’s side are on the cusp of reaching the league phase, but they know a cautious approach will be crucial.
Red Star Belgrade, meanwhile, are aiming for a third consecutive Champions League appearance. Despite finishing 29th in last year’s league phase, they demonstrated their capabilities with victories over Young Boys and Stuttgart. The Serbian giants boast a rich European pedigree, having won the European Cup in 1991. Their path to the playoff round this year was relatively smooth, with convincing aggregate wins over Lincoln Red Imps and Lech Poznan. However, the first-leg defeat to Pafos ended a 15-match unbeaten run, presenting a significant challenge.
Domestically, Red Star are in excellent form, maintaining a perfect record with a +14 goal difference after four league fixtures. Their recent 4-1 victory over Mladost Lucani showcased their attacking prowess. Both teams were granted a weekend off to fully focus on this crucial encounter, ensuring they approach the match well-prepared.
Team Updates
Pafos FC will welcome back Domingos Quina after his suspension in the first leg. However, coach Juan Carlos Carcedo is unlikely to deviate significantly from the winning formula. Anderson Silva and Muamer Tankovic are expected to lead the attack, supported by Joao Correia, with Mislav Orsic and Vlad Dragomir providing additional attacking options.
Red Star Belgrade have received a significant boost with the return of several key players. New arrival Marko Arnautovic could feature, while Aleksandar Katai is in fine form after scoring a hat-trick in his most recent league outing. Cherif Ndiaye is expected to partner Bruno Duarte up front, with Rodrigao and Rade Krunic back from UEFA suspensions. Nemanja Radonjic is also fit enough to be included in the squad, adding depth to Vladan Milojevic’s options.
The atmosphere in Limassol is expected to be electric, as Pafos look to capitalize on their home advantage. Red Star, however, are a team with a proven track record in European competition and will not surrender easily. The tie could easily go down to the wire, potentially requiring extra time or even penalties to determine the outcome.
This match is more than just a playoff tie; it’s a clash of ambition and experience. Pafos are striving to establish themselves as a force in European football, while Red Star are determined to maintain their status as one of the continent’s leading clubs. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable as both teams prepare for what promises to be a captivating encounter.
Prediction: While Pafos showed their mettle in Belgrade, Red Star’s experience and squad depth could prove decisive in Cyprus. Expect a hard-fought match, but ultimately, an away win for Red Star Belgrade.
Best odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: BetUS