Introduction to the UEFA Champions League Match
Olympiacos will kick off their UEFA Champions League campaign against debutants Pafos at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium on Wednesday. After a four-year absence, the hosts are back in the competition, having won the Super League Greece last season. Olympiacos has enjoyed a 100% record in the Super League so far, winning all three games while keeping clean sheets.
Recent Performance of Olympiacos
In their first game back since the international break, they overcame Panserraikos at home last week. Mehdi Taremi bagged a late brace on his debut, while Yusuf Yazıcı, who missed from the penalty spot, assisted one of Taremi’s goals. This recent performance showcases the team’s strength and determination to succeed in the Champions League.
Pafos’ Journey to the Champions League
The visitors defeated Dynamo Kyiv and Red Star Belgrade in the qualifiers to book their place in the group stage of the competition for the first time in history. However, they met Apollon in the Cypriot First Division last week and fell to a 1-0 home loss. Despite this setback, Pafos is ready to make their debut in the Champions League and give it their all.
Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
The two teams will meet for the first time. Olympiacos has met Cypriot teams 26 times in all competitions, with a good record of 19 wins. Pafos will meet a Greek team for the first time in a competitive match. Thrylos have lost their last five games in the Champions League, scoring just once, and have conceded at least two goals in four games in that period.
Prediction and Betting Tips
The Red-Whites have won their three competitive games this season while keeping clean sheets and are strong favorites. However, they have won just one of their last four home games in the group stage/league phase of the Champions League and have won only two of their last 20 group stage/league phase matches overall. The visitors have lost just one of their last 12 games in European competitions, including qualifiers. Notably, they have a 100% away record in all competitions, having kept three clean sheets in four games.
Conclusion
Given Olympiacos’ impressive home record and the debut jitters for the visitors, it is likely that the hosts will register a win. The predicted score is Olympiacos 2-1 Pafos. Betting tips include Olympiacos to win, over 2.5 goals, both teams to score, and at least one goal to be scored in the second half. With their recent performance and home advantage, Olympiacos is poised to make a strong start in the Champions League.
