Champions League matchday five: Pafos vs Monaco. Prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 26 November 2025
On Wednesday, November 26, in the fifth round of the Champions League group stage, Cypriot side Pafos will host French outfit Monaco. Read on for a detailed look at both teams and our match prediction.
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Match preview
Pafos continue to amaze football fans. After making their historic debut in the Champions League group stage, the club has already collected five points: drawing with Olympiacos (0-0) and Kairat (0-0), and scoring a sensational win over Villarreal (1-0). Their only defeat came in a heavy loss to Bayern (1-5). As a result, after four rounds, the team sits in 20th place — a position that secures a playoff spot. Domestically, Pafos are also performing steadily: after 11 league matches, they have 25 points and top the table.
Pafos FC will surely look to capitalize on home advantage and their motivation: expect rapid attacking transitions, utilizing the flanks and set pieces, as they try to dictate the tempo. Their strengths lie in their hunger and freshness in European competition, though their defense could be a weak spot against top-class opponents.
Monaco, meanwhile, have been inconsistent both in Ligue 1 and in the Champions League: after four rounds of European action, the French side also have five points and sit in 19th position. The Monegasques have beaten Bodo/Glimt 1-0, drawn with Tottenham (0-0) and Manchester City (2-2), and suffered a defeat to Club Brugge (1-4). In Ligue 1, Monaco are eighth with 20 points and have lost their last two matches by the same scoreline of 1-4 — first to Lens, then to Rennes.
AS Monaco are likely to focus on controlling the game: dominating possession, utilizing their midfield and individual quality, aiming to play proactively and prevent the hosts from setting the pace. The visitors need to stay sharp and fully concentrated — any slip-ups against Pafos could prove costly.
Probable lineups
Pafos: Michail; Felipe, Luckassen, Luiz, Sema; Sunjic, Goldar, Pepe; Jaja, Dragomir, Quina
Monaco: Hradecky; Kehrer, Salisu, Henrique; Minamino, Teze, Zakaria, Ouattara; Akliouche, Golovin; Balogun
Match facts and head-to-head
- This is the first ever meeting between these sides
- Monaco have lost three of their last five matches
- Pafos are unbeaten in four straight games: three wins and a draw
Prediction
I expect Pafos to play a very tight, defensive game, relying on a well-structured back line and dangerous counterattacks. Monaco will try to neutralize threats and capitalize on their chances, but I don't foresee a high-scoring match. My prediction: total under 3 goals at 1.75
