Pafos FC and Villarreal are set to clash in a crucial Champions League match on Wednesday. This encounter is pivotal for both teams as they look to improve their standings in the group phase. Villarreal is currently struggling, seeking their first victory in this year’s competition.
Pafos FC’s Champions League Journey
This season marks a historic moment for Pafos FC, as they compete in the Champions League for the first time. Their campaign began with a goalless draw against Olympiacos, followed by a heavy 5-1 defeat to Bayern Munich. Recently, they managed to secure a point against Kairat, leaving them with two points from three matches and positioned 29th in the overall table.
Domestically, Pafos is performing well, sitting second in the Cypriot league with seven wins out of nine matches. They trail Omonia by just one point. A recent victory over AEL Limassol further highlighted their strong form.
Villarreal’s Challenges
Villarreal, known as the Yellow Submarine, is aiming to bounce back after struggling in the Champions League. They currently sit 31st in the competition, having acquired only one point from their three matches—losing to Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City and drawing with Juventus. However, Villarreal enters this match buoyed by a recent 4-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in La Liga.
They are also third in La Liga, just two points behind Barcelona. Their recent form includes two consecutive league wins against Valencia and Rayo, alongside a dominating 6-0 victory in the Copa del Rey.
Match Preview and Team News
- Pafos FC: Joao Correia is suspended while Pedrao is injured. Vlad Dragomir and Domingos Quina are key players to watch, with both having scored four goals this season. David Luiz, at age 38, will bring experience to their defense.
- Villarreal: The team is without Logan Costa, Pau Cabanes, and Willy Kambwala due to injuries. Juan Foyth is expected to return and play a key role defensively. Gerard Moreno will likely feature again but could be rotated out for tactical adjustments.
Predicted Lineups
| Pafos FC | Villarreal |
|---|---|
| Michael | Junior |
| Felipe | Mourino |
| Luckassen | Foyth |
| Luiz | Veiga |
| Pileas | Pedraza |
| Sunjic | Comesana |
| Rodrigues | Partey |
| Orsic | Gueye |
| Dragomir | Buchanan |
| Quina | Pepe |
| Dimata | Mikautadze |
Conclusion
This match presents a significant opportunity for both Pafos FC and Villarreal. Pafos aims to secure a playoff spot, while Villarreal hopes to reclaim their form and secure crucial points. Prediction: Pafos FC 1, Villarreal 2.
