Chelsea can probably transfer into competition for a top-eight end and will probably be heavy favourites towards Pafos in Liam Rosenior’s first Champions League recreation in cost.
They’ve been robust at house in Europe, dropping simply two of the previous 62 group stage/league part matches at Stamford Bridge in Uefa competitions.
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Pafos are taking part in within the Champions League for the primary time of their historical past and nonetheless have an opportunity of knockout qualification. It’s the first time of their historical past Pafos have performed a Premier League crew.
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Pafos had been fashioned in 2014 after a merger between AEP Paphos and AEK Kouklia. They gained the Cypriot Cup in 2024 and certified for the Europa League.
They’re simply the third Cypriot crew to make it into the Champions League correct, after Anorthosis Famagusta and APOEL.
Earlier than week seven they’d tried extra clearances than any crew within the match (207), 45 greater than Membership Brugge in second. Derrick Luckassen has made by far essentially the most clearances (64) – 20 greater than some other participant.
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Key Pafos participant – David Luiz
Throughout two spells with – the place he was recognized affectionately by supporters as ‘geezer’ – Luiz gained the Champions League, the Premier League and two Europa Leagues.
The Brazilian grew to become the second-oldest scorer in Champions League historical past when he netted in a 2-2 draw towards Monaco on the age of 38 years and 218 days.
After six video games, his 13 blocks are essentially the most carried out by any participant within the competitors this season.
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In opposition to Olympiacos on Saturday, he was taken off after 17 minutes – so Luiz might be carrying an damage towards Chelsea if he performs.
Pafos squad abstract
The massive-name Luiz signing is just not indicative of Pafos’ total mannequin. Different everlasting signings this summer time got here from Turkey, the Brazilian second tier and Ajax.
The membership desires to scout effectively, promote and reinvest. Former gamers Ken Sema and Domingos Quina are a part of the first-team squad.
[EPA]