Can Pafos upset the odds in Italy against Juventus?

Can Pafos trigger one of many best upsets ever seen in UEFA Champions League historical past after they journey from Cyprus to Italy to face Juventus for the primary time?

Shocks aren’t new to the Champions League

European minnows Sheriff Tiraspol showcased completely no worry as they beat the eventual winners of that season’s competitors, Actual Madrid, 2-1 away on the Santiago Bernabéu.

Going all the way in which again to the 2012/13 marketing campaign for an additional unpredictable consequence within the competitors, Celtic triumphed over the five-time winners of the match, Barcelona, 2-1.

That’s not all when it comes to Champions League surprises, of us, as Younger Boys beat the mighty Manchester United 2-1 within the group stage of the 2021/22 competitors.

So, it’s that a lot of an unpredictable thought to suppose that Pafos may accomplish the unthinkable, and have fun a win over Juventus on the Allianz Stadium on Wednesday.

Pafos’ passable journey throughout Europe this season

Reigning and defending Cypriot First Division champions Pafos actually haven’t been proven up on the European entrance to date all through the 2025/26 Champions League section.

Juan Carlos Carcedo’s males have solely received one among their 5 matches, however have equally ended up on the dropping aspect simply as soon as. The Gentle Brigade have drawn three video games, leaving them simply contained in the play-off positions.

To not point out, they’re forward of eight-time LaLiga winners Athletic Bilbao, the defeated 2023/24 Europa League finalists Eintracht Frankfurt and four-time winners of the competitors Ajax.

There has by no means been a head-to-head encounter between Pafos and Juventus, so we can not refer again to earlier conferences between the 2.

Nevertheless, have a fast take a look at the present 2025/26 Champions League section standings. The 2-time Champions League winners, nevertheless, have an an identical report as Pafos on this season’s league section (W1, D3, L1) and in addition a factors tally of simply six, making the guests’ encounter on the Allianz much more fascinating.

Luciano Spalletti’s aspect have solely overwhelmed Bodø/Glimt this yr, drawing with Sporting, Villarreal and Borussia Dortmund, whereas dropping to Actual Madrid, which actually isn’t the worst consequence on the planet.

The Juventus’ supervisor lack of kind has led to evaluation from former Italian FIFA World Cup winner, Giuseppe Bergomi, who notes key distinction between Conte and Spalletti, after their 2-1 defeat at Napoli on Sunday.

Solely established in June 2014, Pafos are making their first-ever look in a significant European competitors. They celebrated an iconic second within the membership’s historical past firstly of November after they beat Villarreal 1-0 on the Stelios Kyriakides Stadium.

Nevertheless, with the best respect to Villarreal, Juventus are a completely totally different footballing animal with regards to the Champions League.

Pafos’ gamers possess the power to beat Juventus

Pafos have some very acquainted names inside their enjoying ranks, with former Champions League and Premier League winner David Luiz marshalling their defence.

With the plethora of silverware already sitting within the skilled centre-back’s private trophy cupboard, Pafos in all probability aren’t going to win the Champions League this season. Nevertheless, it’s not utterly unattainable to make a press release equivalent to Luiz doubtlessly main his aspect into not less than the play-off spherical.

Different gamers out there to supervisor Carcedo embrace skilled Croatian winger Mislav Oršić, who performed on the 2022 FIFA World Cup and former Watford midfielder Ken Sema.

Though they’re undefeated in seven matches (W5, D2), Pafos have to beat the daunting prospect of making an attempt to change into the primary Cypriot staff to defeat Juventus after six earlier failed makes an attempt.