Pafos vs Crvena Zvezda: UEFA Champions League Prediction (26.08.2025)

On August 26, 2025, at 21.00 CEST, the second leg of the Champions League qualification playoff will take place between Pafos and Crvena Zvezda. Bookmakers slightly favor the visitors, but considering the result of the first leg, the home side has a better chance of advancing to the Champions League group stage. Let’s look at the current form of both teams and give a prediction for this match.

Pafos

Few considered the Cypriot club among the main contenders for a Champions League group stage spot. From the start of qualification, Pafos was viewed as an underdog in every matchup. First, they narrowly eliminated Maccabi Tel Aviv with a 2-1 aggregate. In the semifinals, they surprisingly defeated Dynamo Kyiv with ease – 1-0 away and 2-0 at home. Against Crvena Zvezda, Pafos also began as a clear underdog, with away win odds exceeding 6.00. However, they managed to pull off another narrow victory.

Overall, the team shows very cohesive and well-balanced football. Pafos are strong on set pieces and also know how to sit back and defend while waiting for their chances to strike on quick counterattacks.

Crvena Zvezda

The Belgrade side started the season strongly and went on a long unbeaten streak in official matches. Before facing Pafos, they had not lost in 15 consecutive games.

Crvena Zvezda also began their domestic league campaign perfectly, winning all four matches with an aggregate score of 16:2. In Champions League qualifying, they had already knocked out Lincoln Red Imps and Lech. Notably, their upcoming fifth-round league match was postponed, giving the Red-and-Whites full focus on preparing for the second leg.

Stats and Head-to-Head Record

Last week, the two teams met for the first time. Crvena Zvezda dominated at home and produced more shots (26:14, with 6:3 on target), but still lost 1-2.

Prediction

For the Pafos vs Crvena Zvezda match, our prediction favors the visitors. Despite the defeat, the Serbian side looked much stronger in the first leg. In the return game, they will also be forced to play on the front foot. A heavy win is unlikely, but it’s very possible that the visitors will claim a narrow victory and push the tie into extra time. The best bet is Crvena Zvezda with a 0 handicap at odds of 1.59.