Pafos make history, ex-Benfica star set for Champions League return | OneFootball

Pafos secured their place in the league phase of the Champions League last Tuesday, August 26th. The qualification, achieved against Red Star, will go straight into the history books of the Cypriot club, as they make their debut in the European competition for the first time in their history.

Pafos’ debut in the Champions League is also marked by the return of David Luiz to the competition. The veteran center-back shone for Benfica, Chelsea, and PSG in the European tournament and will now help the newcomers in the competition. The former Benfica defender joined Pafos in this summer transfer window.

The team managed by Juan Carlos Carcedo secured an important advantage in the first leg of the tie, winning 2-1 away at Red Star’s home ground, thus surprising their opponents, who already have several Champions League appearances.

In the second leg of the tie, where Pafos hosted the Serbians, David Luiz’s team needed to chase a draw. Ivanic scared the Cypriot side by scoring for Red Star in the 60th minute. However, in the dying moments, Jaja would score the goal (89’) that sealed the much-desired qualification for the prestigious competition.

This Wednesday, August 27th, Benfica will be back in action at 8:00 PM, hosting José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe at Estádio da Luz, after a goalless draw in Turkey. This match is also the second leg of the play-off for access to the league phase of the Champions League and is of utmost importance for the Eagles.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.