Historic moment: "Pafos" reached the group stage of the Champions League for the first time
The football club "Pafos" made history in Cypriot football by qualifying for the UEFA Champions League group stage. In the second leg of the playoff against Belgrade's "Crvena Zvezda," the team secured a 1–1 draw, which gave them a 3–2 aggregate victory.
The decisive moment came in the 89th minute when Brazilian striker Jajá scored. His precise strike not only leveled the score but also eliminated the Serbian team’s chances of progressing. This goal became the turning point, granting "Pafos" the right to play in the group stage of Europe’s top competition for the first time in its history.
Thus, the club became only the third Cypriot team to reach this stage, joining "Anorthosis" and APOEL. The latter famously reached the quarter-finals in 2012, which still remains the greatest success of Cypriot football in Europe.
The victory brings "Pafos" not only prestige but also significant financial rewards. The group stage draw will take place in the coming days, and fans are eagerly awaiting the names of the opponents their team will face.
For Pafos and the entire country, this success became a source of pride and confirmation of the growing level of Cypriot football.
Author
Education: Higher legal education (specialization — military law), 2007–2012; Advanced training courses in management and law enforcement (2013–2015). Work Experience: Head of departments for law enforcement and administrative practice (2012–2020) Expert in economic evaluation and…
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