Pafos FC have etched their name into footballing history after defeating Spanish club Villarreal in the UEFA Champions League — a remarkable achievement for a side forced to host their “home” matches away from their actual ground due to infrastructural shortcomings.
The Cypriot club, taking part in the Champions League for the very first time, secured their maiden win in the competition during their fourth group-stage match. On Wednesday night, Villarreal — currently third in Spain’s La Liga — were stunned 1–0 by the team formed only 11 years ago.
Dutch defender Derrick Luckassen sealed the victory for Pafos in the 46th minute, heading home from a corner delivered by Ken Sema.
In total, Pafos have played ten matches in European competition this season, including the qualifiers, losing only once — and that was against German giants Bayern Munich. Their Champions League campaign now includes one win and two draws from four group matches, a commendable record for debutants.
Due to UEFA regulations, Pafos’s home ground failed to meet the competition’s technical requirements. As a result, the team have been hosting their “home” fixtures nearly 40 miles away at the Alphamega Stadium in Limassol.
| Pafos FC’s European Performance (2024–25) | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played (including qualifiers) | 10 |
| Matches Lost | 1 (vs Bayern Munich) |
| Group Stage Record | 1 Win, 2 Draws |
| Current Points | 5 |
| Current Standing | 20th |
| Villarreal’s Standing | 32nd (with 1 point) |
Founded in 2014 through the merger of two local clubs — AEK Kouklia and AEP Paphos — Pafos FC began their journey in the Cypriot Second Division. They remained there until 2017, when Russian businessman Roman Dubov purchased the club and began investing heavily in its growth.
Under Dubov’s stewardship, the club gradually rose through the ranks. In 2023, former Arsenal assistant coach Juan Carlos Carcedo was appointed head coach, bringing tactical discipline and stability. His leadership paid off spectacularly in 2024 when Pafos lifted the Cypriot Cup, their first-ever major trophy. The following season, they went on to win the domestic league title.
Pafos made their European debut last season in the UEFA Conference League, reaching the knockout stages with impressive performances. Building on that momentum, they navigated through the qualifying rounds this year to secure a place in the Champions League group stage — a historic milestone for Cypriot football.
With one win, two draws, and five points so far, Pafos FC have become a symbol of persistence and ambition, proving that even smaller clubs can dream big on Europe’s grandest stage.