English
Last-Minute Goal Secures Draw for Pafos Against Crvena Zvezda in Champions League Play-off
Kolossi, Cyprus – Pafos FC and FK Crvena Zvezda played out a draw in their UEFA Champions League play-off match held at the Alphamega Stadium. English referee Michael Oliver oversaw a tense encounter characterized by a high number of fouls and yellow cards.
Possession was evenly split, with both teams holding 50% of the ball. Crvena Zvezda broke the deadlock in the 60th minute, with M. Ivanic scoring from an assist by C. Ndiaye. However, Pafos refused to concede defeat and relentlessly sought an equalizer. Their pressure paid off in added time (90th minute), when Jaja found the back of the net, assisted by Pepe, sending the Cypriot fans into celebration.
The match was marked by intense midfield battles and constant competition for possession. The referee was compelled to issue several yellow cards throughout the game, five to Pafos (Jaja, Bruno, J. Carcedo, Pepe) and four to Crvena Zvezda (R. Krunic, M. Veljkovic, S. Babicka, N. Tiknizyan). Pafos recorded 11 shots, 5 of which were on target, while Crvena Zvezda also registered 11 shots but only 3 found the target. Both teams had 3 corner kicks.
The draw leaves the tie finely balanced heading into the second leg, where both teams will aim to secure their place in the next round of the Champions League.
Substitutions fk crvena zvezda: at minute 56 S. Babicka came in and N. Radonjic went out., at minute 56 Bruno Duarte came in and M. Arnautovic went out., at minute 90 M. Ivanic came in and P. Olayinka went out., at minute 90 T. Elsnik came in and A. Katai went out.
Substitutions pafos: at minute 62 K. Pileas came in and B. Langa went out., at minute 62 M. Orsic came in and Jaja went out., at minute 68 Anderson Silva came in and M. Bassouamina went out., at minute 90 Bruno came in and Pedrao went out.
The teams lined up as follows:
Pafos
FK Crvena Zvezda
Titulares:
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