The UEFA Champions League playoffs continue with a thrilling game as Pafos FC (Cyprus) visit Crvena Zvezda (Serbia) to the Rajko Mitić Stadium in Belgrade on Tuesday, 19 August 2025, with kick-off at 21:00 CEST (20:00 UK, 19:00 UTC). The first-leg encounter is set to be an interesting encounter between Serbian European veterans and Cypriot newcomers eager to make history.
Crvena Zvezda: European Giants with Home Advantage
Crvena Zvezda, or Red Star Belgrade as they are more commonly known, boast a long and rich history of European football. As 1991 European Cup winners, the Serbian team have consistently played UEFA matches and built a reputation for being one of the toughest teams to face at home. The Rajko Mitić Stadium, affectionately known as the "Marakana," will be packed out with over 50,000 vengeful fans creating an electric atmosphere.
- Current Form: The Serbian league pacesetters arrive in this tie in top condition, with impressive performances in domestic football and qualifiers as well. Their forwards have netted over 3 goals per game, and the defense has remained resolute with a number of clean sheets too.
- A Strong Suit: Their home record. Few away teams get to leave Belgrade with a positive return, so Crvena Zvezda are gigantic favorites.
- Player to Watch: Experienced Serbian playmaker Aleksandar Katai, even now still so vital in breaking down the opposition.
Pafos FC: Cypriot Champions with Big Dreams
Pafos FC are the latest sensations of Cypriot football. Securing their historical Cypriot Championship title in 2024/25 and the local cup, they are now on a mission to create European history. Their impressive qualifier victories over Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dynamo Kyiv have already made them known as a team which can surprise the big clubs.
- Historical Feat: Pafos FC's historical Champions League playoff appearance.
- Recent Form: Pafos arrive in Europe this season unbeaten, courtesy of the confidence gained from beating seasoned teams.
- Key Strength: Counter-attacking speed and a negative attitude, with nothing to lose.
- Player to Watch: Their Brazilian forward, Jairo da Silva, who has been playing in form with match-winning goals in the qualifiers.
Crvena Zvezda vs Pafos H2H Stats
This will be Pafos FC and Crvena Zvezda's first-ever competitive meeting. While their Serbian rivals have decades of European tradition, the Cypriots are entering new territory, aiming to write a new chapter in their history.
- Crvena Zvezda European record: Traditional Champions League and Europa League group stage involvement.
- Pafos European record: Inaugural season in UEFA Champions League qualifiers.
Match Preview and Tactical Insights
Anticipate Crvena Zvezda to seize control and push forward from the kick-off, supported by their home crowd. Their direct style of football, added to set-piece ability, will put Pafos' defense under pressure.
Pafos, on the other hand, will aim to sit back, absorb pressure, and hit back with counterattacks. Their quick pace in attack may give Zvezda issues if the Serbian defense leaves gaps while playing forward.
Predictions and Betting Tips
- SportsBuddy Prediction: Victory for Crvena Zvezda, with a dominating performance.
- FootballWhispers Prediction: 2-0 victory for the home team.
- BetClan Forecast: 3-1 scoreline, with both teams to score.
- ProTipster Analysis: Zvezda's strong attack proves a major plus point.
Expert Betting Tips:
- ✅ Full-Time Result: Crvena Zvezda to win
- ✅ Both Teams to Score: Yes (value odds)
- ✅ Over 2.5 Goals: Yes, owing to both teams' attacking prowess
- UTC: 19:00
- UK (BST): 20:00
- Central Europe (CEST): 21:00
- Serbia Local Time: 21:00
- Cyprus Local Time: 22:00
Final Thoughts
Crvena Zvezda vs Pafos is not only a Champions League playoff—it's ambition against tradition. The Serbian champions must take Pafos apart in their backyard, but Pafos FC have already shown they are capable ofpulling off a shock against bigger clubs. Although the odds are against a 2–0 or 3–1 victory for Crvena Zvezda, the Cypriots will fight to keep their dream alive going into the second leg.
UEFA Champions League News – UEFA.com- Crvena Zvezda vs Pafos Match Preview – Football Whispers
- Live Updates – CheckLive
- Betting Odds – BetClan
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