Pafos FC Hold Monaco to 2-2 Draw in Thrilling UCL Encounter

David Luiz goal from set piece helped Pafos tied the game against Monaco

Pafos FC holds Monaco to 2-2 draw in UEFA Champions League, Salisu scores late own goal.

Pafos snatched a late equalizer, with Mohammed Salisu scoring an own goal to secure a 2-2 draw...

Pafos earned a late point against Monaco, with Mohammed Salisu scoring a dramatic own goal to secure a 2-2 draw. The visitors had started brightly, with Takumi Minamino scoring after just five minutes, thanks to a smart pass from Maghnes Akliousse.

🏁 Full time in Pafos.

2️⃣-2️⃣ #PAFASM pic.twitter.com/8ImDghRHY4

— AS Monaco EN 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco_EN) November 26, 2025

Monaco's pressure continued, but Pafos fought back, eventually equalizing and taking the lead. However, the visitors pushed for a winner, and their efforts were almost rewarded, but for Salisu's late own goal, which denied Monaco a crucial away win.

Pafos almost leveled instantly, with Anderson Silva's looping shot rattling the bar, much to Monaco's relief. However, the Cypriot champions found an equalizer in the 18th minute, thanks to David Luiz's majestic header from Mislav Orsic's corner. The goal sent the home crowd wild and made David Luiz the second-oldest goalscorer in UCL history.

The goal was one of the best headers you'll see all season, with David Luiz's leap and power propelling the ball into the top corner, past Lukas Hradecky. The equalizer sparked a lively atmosphere at the Alphamega Stadium, with Pafos pushing for more.

Pafos' joy was short-lived, as Monaco regained the lead through Folarin Balogun's clinical finish. The USA international capitalized on a dreadful misplaced pass by goalkeeper Neofytos Michail, rifling the ball into the back of the net for his second UCL goal of the season.

Monaco had further chances to extend their lead before halftime, but Takumi Minamino's shot sailed wide in the 39th minute, denying Sebastien Pocognoli's side a stronger advantage heading into the break.

Mohammed "Sarki" Salisu is voted Player of the Match by the UEFA technical observer. 🇬🇭

2️⃣-2⃣ #PAFASM pic.twitter.com/aE46qb1wnF

— AS Monaco EN 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco_EN) November 26, 2025

Monaco's Folarin Balogun had a golden opportunity to score his second goal, but Pafos' goalkeeper Michail came to the rescue, blocking the shot. Balogun's miss almost proved costly, as Pafos' Anderson Silva had a stinging effort saved by Lukas Hradecky at the other end.

The save was a crucial moment in the game, as Pafos pushed for a winner. The Cypriot champions were looking for a crucial victory, but Monaco's defense held firm, with Hradecky making some impressive saves to keep his team in the game.

Pafos snatched a late equalizer, with Mohammed Salisu scoring an own goal to secure a 2-2 draw. The dramatic goal sparked jubilation in Cyprus, with the team and fans celebrating a vital point.

The draw sees Pafos and Monaco rise to 22nd and 23rd in the league phase table, with six points from five games. Pafos' head coach Juan Carlos Carcedo is thrilled his team has only lost one game, while Monaco fans will be disappointed to drop two points.