Pafos FC 1-0 Villarreal: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral’s post-match review of Pafos FC 1-0 Villarreal in the Champions League on Wednesday, 05 November 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Pafos FC secured a surprising 1-0 victory over Villarreal at home, a result that broke their recent run of inconsistent form. The match’s pivotal moment came right at the start of the second half when Derrick Luckassen scored, assisted by Ken Sema. This win was particularly unexpected given Villarreal’s higher possession and more frequent corners, yet Pafos managed to hold firm and secure all three points. This result not only ended Villarreal’s hopes but also highlighted Pafos FC’s resilience and tactical discipline.

Despite Villarreal dominating possession with 59% to Pafos FC’s 41%, it was the home side that capitalised on their opportunities. Pafos FC’s recent results showed a pattern of draws and a heavy loss, making this victory even more significant. Luckassen’s goal and subsequent yellow card were key moments, but it was the team’s overall defensive solidity that stood out. This win could serve as a turning point for Pafos FC, boosting their confidence as they look to climb the league standings.

The statistics from the match reveal a game where Villarreal had the upper hand in terms of possession and corners, yet Pafos FC emerged victorious. Villarreal’s 59% possession compared to Pafos FC’s 41% suggests they controlled the ball more, but Pafos was more effective in their limited opportunities. The corner count was close, with Villarreal taking three to Pafos’s two, indicating a relatively even battle for set-piece dominance. Despite Villarreal’s slight edge in successful dribbles at 48% to Pafos’s 45%, it was Pafos who managed to keep a clean sheet and secure the win.

The yellow card count, with Villarreal receiving two and Pafos one, hints at a slightly more disciplined performance from the home side. Pafos’s four substitutions compared to Villarreal’s five suggest both teams were looking to change the game’s dynamics, but Pafos’s tactical adjustments paid off. The assist statistics, with Pafos recording one and Villarreal none, underline the crucial role of teamwork in Pafos’s victory.

The defining moment of the match came just after halftime when Derrick Luckassen scored for Pafos FC, assisted by Ken Sema. This goal, coming in the 46th minute, set the tone for the rest of the game and ultimately decided the outcome. Luckassen’s yellow card in the 70th minute added tension, but Pafos managed to maintain their lead.

Villarreal made several substitutions in an attempt to change the game’s flow, with five changes compared to Pafos’s four. However, despite these efforts, they couldn’t find the equaliser. The yellow cards for Renato Veiga and Pape Gueye in the latter stages of the match highlighted Villarreal’s frustration as they pushed for a goal that never came.

Pafos FC lined up in a 5-4-1 formation, with Neofytos Michail in goal and a solid backline featuring Bruno, Derrick Luckassen, David Luiz, David Goldar, and Ken Sema. The midfield was anchored by Ivan Sunjic and Pêpê, with Mislav Orsic and Domingos Quina providing support. Vlad Dragomir led the attack. This formation allowed Pafos to maintain a strong defensive structure while still posing a threat on the counter, which was evident in their ability to score the decisive goal and keep a clean sheet.

Villarreal opted for a 4-4-2 formation, with Luiz Júnior in goal and a defence consisting of Santiago Mouriño, Juan Foyth, Renato Veiga, and Sergi Cardona. The midfield was controlled by Nicolas Pépé, Pape Gueye, Dani Parejo, and Alberto Moleiro, with Ayoze Pérez and Georges Mikautadze up front. Despite their possession dominance, Villarreal struggled to break down Pafos’s defence, and their attacking lineup failed to convert their opportunities into goals.

Derrick Luckassen was named Man of the Match for his crucial role in Pafos FC’s victory. Scoring the only goal of the game in the 46th minute, assisted by Ken Sema, Luckassen proved to be the difference-maker. Despite receiving a yellow card later in the match, his defensive contributions were vital in maintaining Pafos’s clean sheet. His performance exemplified the determination and focus required to secure such an important win.

Recent Champions League matches:

• Win: 1-0 vs Villarreal (H)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Kairat (A)
• Loss: 1-5 vs FC Bayern München (H)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Olympiacos F.C. (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Crvena Zvezda (H)

Recent Champions League matches:

• Loss: 0-1 vs Pafos FC (A)
• Loss: 0-2 vs Manchester City (H)

Currently in 20th position with 5 points, Pafos FC will face Monaco, who are in 19th place with 5 points, on November 26, 2025 at 17:45.

Currently in 32nd position with 1 point, Villarreal will play Espanyol on November 08, 2025 at 20:00.

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