Pafos FC will make their Champions League debut on Wednesday - just 11 years after their formation.
The Cypriot club has gained recognition by completing an impressive journey through Europe, reaching the Conference League last 16 last season and winning their first league title.
Notably, this season they advanced through three rounds of qualifying to reach the Champions League proper, joining only Kazakh team Kairat Almaty in making their debut.
Pafos managed to overcome formidable opponents: Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Dynamo Kyiv, and Red Star Belgrade were all defeated during qualifying. Their success in reaching the league phase brings the promise of high-stakes matches, including a home game against Bayern Munich and a trip to Chelsea, starting with a match against Olympiakos in Greece.
In a jubilant statement, David Luiz, a former Brazil and Chelsea defender who joined Pafos in August, expressed excitement at their qualification, stating: Everyone was totally happy because we did something amazing. Nobody expected us to be in the Champions League this season. Luiz added his optimism about what the team can achieve in the tournament.
Pafos FC was established in 2014 through the merger of two local teams and began in the second tier, experiencing several ups and downs until a 2017 takeover revitalized the club. With investments and strategic leadership, they have transitioned to become champions, culminating in their current participation in the Champions League.
Under the management of Juan Carlos Carcedo, who previously worked with Unai Emery, the team has transformed dramatically, capturing their maiden trophy last season and steadily climbing the ranks in the Cypriot League.
This critical moment not only marks a significant milestone for Pafos, but it also highlights the potential for greater successes within Cypriot football, demonstrating that with vision and dedication, clubs can rise on the European stage.
