Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League match.
At Pafos they expect a football occasion — the hosts face Villarreal for the first time in the main stage of the UEFA Champions League. But for the Cypriot side this is more than a match, it is a top-level test. Villarreal under Marcelino García Toral have found form and are chasing crucial points to break into the league’s top eight.
Pafos
The debutants play boldly, but the quality of opponents is already evident: only 1 goal in three matches of the main stage. Pafos try to stay organised in a 4-4-2, relying on compactness and set pieces. The experience of David Luiz helps to withstand pressure, but in attack the team are too dependent on long balls and occasional bursts. In the last five matches in all competitions the goal difference is unconvincing (7:8), and at home they rarely open up. Without pace and pressing against Villarreal this is risky.
Villarreal CF
Villarreal had a poor start but are now in good shape: 10 goals in the last five LaLiga matches, a run of three wins in a row and a confident 4:0 against Rayo Vallecano. They are flexible — possession (more than 2,100 accurate passes over five matches) is combined with quick counter-attacks through Gerard Moreno and Alberto Moleiro. However, they often foul — more than a dozen yellow cards across five matches, which could give Pafos chances from free kicks and corners.
Pafos vs Villarreal CF Prediction
The gap in quality is clear: Villarreal are faster, more technical and much more efficient in front of goal. Pafos may hold part of the match thanks to discipline, but constant pressure and the visitors’ high tempo should tell. If Villarreal cannot take three points confidently in this spot, their Champions League campaign will be unsuccessful.
