We begin with the broadcast of the match between Paphos and Villarreal. In a few minutes, we will have the confirmed lineups. Stay here at VAVEL to follow this Champions League match minute by minute.+
Villarreal is enjoying a great run in the domestic league, remaining in third place after thrashing Rayo Vallecano at the weekend (4-0), but the Groguet team has failed to show its best form in the UCL. Their winless start in three games (D1, L2) includes goalless defeats to Tottenham and Manchester City, which are part of a poor record for the Yellow Submarine of just three wins in their last 18 UCL group stage/league games (W3, D4, L11). Marcelino’s side are clear favorites on Wednesday and will go into the game full of confidence after winning three of their last four outings in all competitions (W3, L1).
Paphos has yet to open its Champions League account, although 0-0 draws against Olympiacos and Kairat Almaty have shown that the Cypriot club can compete at the highest continental level. Juan Carlos Carcedo’s side are looking to become the first Cypriot team to win a UCL group stage/league match since November 2011, but they are currently on a four-game winless streak in major UEFA competitions. Having to play at the neutral Alphamega Stadium, away from their usual home ground, Pafos may find it difficult to change the dynamic after winning only one of their four UCL home games this season.
Paphos has never faced a Spanish team, while Villarreal has won both of its previous matches against Cypriot sides (6-0 on aggregate against Apollon Limassol in the 2014-15 UEFA Europa League). This will be the first UCL clash between a Cypriot and a Spanish club since November 2017.
Paphos and Villarreal face each other on matchday four of the UEFA Champions League this Wednesday, November 5th, with both teams aiming for their first win in the European competition in the season 2025/26
