Villarreal Faces Pafos in Crucial Champions League Clash

Limassol, Cyprus — Villarreal CF is set to take on Pafos FC this Wednesday, November 5, at 18:45 CET in a critical Champions League Group Stage match. Both teams are looking to secure their first victory in the tournament after a string of disappointing results.

Pafos enters this game at the bottom of the group, having claimed just two points from three matches, while Villarreal stands slightly better with one point. The Spanish side lost their last match against Manchester City 0-2, eager to turn their fortunes around.

Villarreal’s manager, Marcelino García Toral, is banking on the team’s strong offensive lineup to penetrate Pafos’ defense. Key players like Gerard Moreno are returning to the squad after long absences, bringing with them much-needed experience.

Pafos, led by Juan Carlos Carcedo, has had its battles in the tournament but remains optimistic. In their latest outing, they managed a goalless draw against Kairat, despite a red card for Joao Pedro Araújo. Carcedo hopes his side can build on that performance and secure a notable win against a formidable squad.

Both teams will feature the following lineups: Pafos will start with Michael in goal, supported by Bruno, Luckassen, David Luiz, and Sema in defense. The midfield includes Sunjic, Goldar, and Pépé, with Orsic, Dragomir, and Quina leading the attack. Villarreal counters with Luiz Júnior; Mouriño, Foyth, Veiga, Cardona; Pepe, Gueye, Parejo, Moleiro; Ayoze and Mikautadze upfront.

The match will take place at the Alphamega Stadium, a temporary venue for Pafos as their home ground does not meet UEFA standards. Fans, although facing a longer trip to Limassol, are expected to support their teams, heightening the tension for this vital clash.