UCL: Pafos Stun Villarreal with 1-0 Win in Champions League

Pafos make history with first UCL win against Villarreal

Pafos earned a historic 1-0 victory over Villarreal in the Champions League, marking their first-ever win at this stage of the competition.

Villarreal coach Marcelino made all five of his substitutions in a bid to turn the game around...

Pafos made history with a thrilling 1-0 win over Villarreal in the UEFA Champions League. Derrick Luckassen's header secured the victory, marking Pafos' first-ever win at this stage of the competition.

The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating early chances. Domingos Quina and Nicolas Pepe both fired shots over the bar within the first four minutes, setting the tone for a intense and competitive match.

The decisive moment came after the break when Pafos won a corner and Luckassen powered a header into the net. Despite Villarreal's efforts, Pafos held on for a famous win, moving them off the bottom of the table.

The match took a turn as Villarreal showcased impressive passing sequences, but fortune didn't favor them. Georges Mikautadze had a golden opportunity to score, only to be thwarted by Neofytos Michail's quick reflexes, while Pape Gueye's effort was denied. The hosts solidified their defense, and both teams engaged in a period of possession football without creating significant threats.

Pepe's frustration was evident at times, particularly in his individual battle with Ken Sema, who seemed to be getting the better of him. A poor touch from the winger allowed David Goldar to intervene and assist Michail after a wayward pass.

Pepe's frustration was evident at times, particularly in his individual battle with Ken Sema, who seemed to be getting the better of him. A poor touch from the winger allowed David Goldar to intervene and assist Michail after a wayward pass.

The hosts continued to create chances, but they were wasteful in front of goal. Santiago Mourino's strike sailed harmlessly over the crossbar, and Ayoze Perez's header was comfortably saved, epitomizing the lack of conviction that had characterized much of the first half.

Pafos made a strong start to the second half, scoring their first-ever goal in a UCL proper match when Derrick Luckassen headed in Ken Sema's corner. The momentum continued for the hosts, with Quina's shot from distance being saved, while Pape Gueye's effort went wildly off-target and Ayoze Perez headed over for Villarreal.

Villarreal coach Marcelino made all five of his substitutions in a bid to turn the game around, but it was Pafos who continued to threaten, with Tani Oluwaseyi having a header saved shortly after coming on. Despite Nicolas Pepe's close-range shot flashing wide and Pape Gueye's powerful effort being blocked, Pafos held firm to secure a historic 1-0 win.

Pafos' first-ever win in league phase 👏#UCL pic.twitter.com/32Ql0sEtoE

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 5, 2025

Despite Villarreal's relentless pressure, Gerard Moreno's header sailed wide, and Santi Comesana's long-range shot was comfortably saved by Pafos' goalkeeper. This resilience paid off as Pafos recorded their third clean sheet in the Champions League group stage this season.

The win marked a historic milestone for Pafos, becoming the first Cypriot side to triumph at this stage of the competition since November 2011. Conversely, the defeat left Villarreal in a precarious position, with only one point from four games and a worrying trend of failing to score in each of their losses.