Greg . 11 hours ago

Pafos close in on record after shock Champions League qualifying win over Crvena Zvezda

Pafos took a big step towards qualifying for their first-ever UEFA Champions League (UCL) main draw after a shock 2-1 win over Crvena Zvezda at the Stadion Rajko Mitić in a game dominated by handball situations.

The home fans had not even finished their pre-match display when the visitors struck.

Captain Muamer Tanković won the ball back in midfield before feeding João Correia on the edge of the box, and the Cape Verde international’s speculative effort took a slight deflection on its way past Matheus for a stunning start inside the opening minute.

The hosts attempted to hit back immediately and forced a save from the masked Neofytos Michail as he tipped Cherif Ndiaye’s header wide just two minutes later.

Juan Carlos Carcedo’s side lost Tanković to injury just after the quarter-hour mark, but they thought they had doubled their advantage with around 30 minutes on the clock when Bruno Felipe surfaced to have headed home Kostas Pileas’ delivery.

However, VAR judged that the Brazilian forward had used his arm, so his effort was correctly disallowed.

Although Vladan Milojević’s side dominated possession for the remainder of the half, they were limited to long-range efforts from Mahmudu Bajo and Shavy Babicka as they went in behind at the interval.

Babicka had the last opportunity of the first half and first of the second half as his powerful header from Nair Tiknizyan’s cross was palmed away by Michail.

In response, Pafos pushed forward and were awarded a penalty in the 51st minute after Timi Elšnik handled in the box.

From the spot, Pêpê stepped up and coolly rolled into the bottom corner, sending Matheus the wrong way in the procedure.

Match statsBetopickRemarkably, Bruno Felipe could once again not keep his arms down just five minutes later as he inexplicably elbowed a corner away in his own box, therefore gifting a spot-kick to the hosts.

That allowed first half-sub Bruno Duarte to step up and, while Michail saved his initial effort, the Brazilian reacted quickest with a header that crept in via the underside of the bar.

After Felipe made a brave block to deny Mirko Ivanić, the Red Star captain thought he had won a penalty for his side after yet another handball call by referee Alejandro Hernández.

However, VAR ruled in the visitors’ favour on this occasion as it transpired the ball had struck David Goldar’s back.

Despite some nervy moments late on, the Cypriot champions held on, meaning they will take a slender lead back to their European home in Kolossi as they look to make record.

Meanwhile, the Serbian outfit will hope to produce a far better performance in the second leg next week as they look to reach the UCL league phase/group stage for the third season in a row.

Betopick Man of the Match: Neofytos Michail (Pafos)See a summary of the match here