The Matchday 5 clash in the 2025/26 Champions League group stage between Pafos (Cyprus) and Monaco (France) will take place on November 26 at the Alphamega Stadium in Limassol. Pafos vs. Monaco: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Pafos
For debutants, the Cypriots have decent results after four rounds. So far, Juan Carlos Carcedo's side has suffered only one defeat in the group stage – at home against Bayern Munich (1-5). They drew in two other matches – against Olympiacos and Kairat (both 0-0). In their last match, the team secured their first victory in the Champions League group stage – defeating Villarreal at home (1-0). As a result, the club is in 20th place with 5 points, and they managed to keep a clean sheet in 3 of their 4 matches.
- The Cypriots have played 10 games in the Champions League and have not lost in 9 of them (5 wins and 4 draws).
- No more than two goals were scored in 8 of Pafos's last 10 matches in this tournament.
- The islanders have scored in all 5 home matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Pafos (4-3-3)
Neofytos Michael – Derrick Luckassen, David Luiz, Ken Sema, Bruno – Ivan Sunjic, David Goldar, Pepe Rodrigues – Vlad Dragomir, Domingos Quina, Mislav Orsic.
Defender Joao Correia is out due to suspension.
Monaco
Sébastien Pocognoli's side has identical results in the group stage as the Cypriots, losing only in the first round, where they were thrashed by Club Brugge away (1-4). After that, the Monegasques drew twice at home – against Manchester City (2-2) and Tottenham (0-0). In their last match, the club secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Bodo/Glimt away. The French are positioned just above Pafos.
- In the last 7 matches of this European competition, Monaco has secured only 1 victory (3 draws and 3 losses).
- At least three goals were scored in 7 of Monaco's last 9 away matches in the Champions League.
- The club has not lost in 7 of their last 10 away matches in this tournament (4 wins and 3 draws).
Predicted lineup for Monaco (3-4-3)
Lukáš Hrádecký – Thilo Kehrer, Mohammed Salisu, Caio Henrique – Denis Zakaria, Jordan Teze, Krépin Diatta, Kassoum Ouattara – Takumi Minamino, Maghnes Akliouche, Folarin Balogun.
Defenders Eric Dier and Christian Mavissa will miss the match due to injuries.
Referee
Ivan Kružliak (Slovakia)
Matches – 14 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 64;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.6;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 29%.
Pafos vs. Monaco: Match Prediction
The French club has had a weak performance in the Champions League. In their last 10 matches in this tournament, they have won only 2. Most of their better results have been achieved at home. Away, Monaco has secured just one victory in their last seven matches in this European competition.
The Cypriots have already proven that their presence in the Champions League group stage is no fluke. The team lacks experience at this high level, but only Bayern Munich, currently leading the group stage, has managed to defeat them. Pafos defends excellently and, through successful defensive actions, can achieve a positive result in this match. It is also worth noting that the islanders have played 5 home matches in the Champions League and have not lost 4 times (2 wins and 2 draws).
My prediction: "Pafos win or draw"
