Pafos FC, a Cypriot side, is set to make its Champions League debut just 11 years after its formation.
The club has gained significant recognition in recent years, notably playing in Europe for the first time last season and reaching the last 16 of the Conference League. They also clinched their first league title, setting the stage for their entry into the Champions League after a challenging qualification campaign.
Having overcome strong teams like Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Dynamo Kyiv, and Red Star Belgrade to secure their position, Pafos will face Olympiakos in Greece to kick off their group phase, paving the way for matches against elite clubs such as Bayern Munich and Chelsea.
David Luiz, a former defender for Brazil and Chelsea, expressed his excitement about Pafos' progress, stating, Everybody was in ecstasy upon the team's qualification. He further noted, I'm very happy to be here because I can see this feeling, with everybody's hunger, to do something great.
Founded in 2014 from a merger of two local clubs, Pafos FC initially struggled but underwent a transformation under the ownership of Roman Dubov. The club now seeks to be a competitive force while giving back to the community.
The arrival of coach Juan Carlos Carcedo, a former assistant to Unai Emery, marked a significant turning point, leading the team to their first trophy last season. With a perfect blend of emerging talents and veteran leadership like Luiz, Pafos is ready to prove itself on the grand European stage.
Day by day, reporter Andreas Odysseos shared insights on the local football culture, emphasizing that the success of Pafos is not just a milestone for the club but a source of pride for the entire region of Cyprus.
Fans are abuzz with anticipation as this moment signifies not only an opportunity to showcase their talents but to establish Pafos FC as a prominent name in European football.
