Match Preview: Olympiacos vs Pafos FC

Champions League: Olympiacos vs Pafos FC

Competition: UEFA Champions League 2025/26 — Group Stage
Date & Venue: Wednesday, 17 September 2025 at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, Piraeus

Olympiacos are back in the Champions League group stage with strong momentum. Having dominated the early part of their Greek Super League season, they come into this match with high expectations and full confidence.
Pafos FC are playing in this stage of the Champions League for the first time after a memorable qualifying run. The Cypriot club made history recently by winning their league and edging past tougher opponents like Red Star Belgrade to earn this spot.

Olympiacos have looked strong in domestic play: multiple wins, clean sheets, and good attacking displays. Their confidence is high.
Pafos also had a positive qualifying campaign, going unbeaten in many ties, and showing resilience especially in away legs. But their defensive vulnerabilities have shown in occasional matches, particularly when under sustained pressure.

Olympiacos may face some absences: for example, goalkeeper matters and injuries are concerns. Up front, they will look to get their usual attacking players involved early, using width and press to unsettle Pafos.
Pafos will likely aim to be organized defensively, look for opportunities on the counter, and attempt to frustrate Olympiacos as much as possible. Discipline, managing the tempo, and staying compact in midfield will be important.

How well Olympiacos can dominate possession and use their home advantage.
Whether Pafos can handle early intensity and avoid conceding in the opening minutes.
Key matchups: Olympiacos full-backs and wingers will look to stretch the field; Pafos’ defensive line and midfield pairing must prevent overloads.
Set pieces could play a role, especially if the match becomes tight or sees defensive errors.

Olympiacos are favorites to win this match, especially at home. A likely scoreline could be 2-0 or 2-1 to the Greek side.
Expect them to control much of the match, especially in the second half, unless Pafos can maintain compactness and pick moments to counter.