The first leg of the Champions League 2025/26 qualifying playoff between Crvena Zvezda (Serbia) and Pafos (Cyprus) will take place on August 19 at the Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade. Crvena Zvezda vs. Pafos: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Crvena Zvezda
In the previous qualifying round, the team faced Lech and emerged victorious on aggregate (3:1, 1:1). By drawing in the second leg, Crvena Zvezda ended their four-match winning streak in the Champions League. Nevertheless, the club extended their scoring streak in this European competition to ten matches, but they have failed to keep a clean sheet in 10 of their last 12 Champions League games. Notably, the Serbians have participated in the main draw of the Champions League in the last two seasons.
- The team has not won in regular time in 8 of their last 11 home matches in the Champions League (3 draws, 5 losses).
- Club players have scored exactly 1 or 2 goals in 90 minutes in 9 of their last 11 home games in this European competition.
- The Serbians have scored in the second half in 9 of their last 10 home matches in the Champions League.
Predicted lineup for Crvena Zvezda (4-5-1)
Mateus – Sol Yeon Woo, Milos Veljkovic, Rodrigao, Nair Tiknizyan – Bruno Duarte, Peter Olayinka, Rade Krunic, Timi Elsnik, Xavi Babica – Sheriff Ndiaye.
Defender Rodrigao and midfielder Rade Krunic will miss the match due to suspensions.
Pafos
In the previous round, the Cypriots overcame Dynamo Kyiv, winning both encounters (1:0, 2:0). Pafos is participating in the Champions League for the first time in their history and remains unbeaten in this tournament (3 wins, 1 draw). Additionally, the team has kept clean sheets in three of their last Champions League matches. Notably, the club reached the round of 16 in another European competition, the Conference League, last season.
- The team has not lost in regular time in 4 of their last 5 away matches in European competitions (2 wins, 2 draws).
- Club players have scored exactly 1 or 2 goals in 90 minutes in 5 of their last 6 away games on the European stage.
- The Cypriots have conceded in regular time in 9 of their last 11 away matches in European competitions.
Predicted lineup for Pafos (4-3-3)
Neophytos Michael – David Gomez Goldar, Derrick Luckassen, Kostas Pileas, Joao Correia – Ivan Sunjic, Vlad Dragomir, Pepe Rodrigues – Bruno Sousa Silva, Muamer Tankovic, Mislav Orsic.
Midfielder Domingos Quina is suspended.
Referee
Alejandro Hernandez (Spain)
Matches – 10 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 27;
Average yellow cards per match – 2.7;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 19;
Penalties – 20%.
Match Prediction: Crvena Zvezda vs. Pafos
At home, the Serbians tend to play actively and focus heavily on attack, regularly finding the back of the net. In their last 15 home Champions League matches, the club's players have never left the pitch without scoring, netting 41 times in this span. However, defensive errors are common: in 11 of their last home matches in the Champions League, the Serbians have kept a clean sheet only once.
Pafos lacks significant experience in European competitions but has already made a positive impression. Even away from home, the team doesn't sit back and creates plenty of chances. As a result, in their last seven away European matches, the Cypriots have only failed to score once. However, their defense is rarely reliable: Pafos has conceded in 9 of their last 11 European outings.
I expect effective attacking play from both teams, so my prediction: Both teams to score – yes
