Pafos vs Monaco prediction, H2H and probable lineups - November 26, 2025
One of the matches of the fifth round of the Champions League group stage will take place on Wednesday at the Alfamega Stadium, where local side Pafos hosts French visitors Monaco. We're offering a betting tip for this clash, as both teams are eager to secure their spot in the playoff zone.
Match preview
The Cypriots have already made history, claiming their first-ever win in the Champions League group stage — defeating Villarreal (1-0). This achievement logically extended their unbeaten streak to four games across all competitions. The team plays pragmatically, solid at the back, and rarely concedes more than one goal per match.
However, Pafos' attacking output leaves much to be desired: just two goals scored in the group stage — one of the lowest tallies. Their home form is especially modest, having scored no more than once in four out of five European fixtures this season. Nevertheless, the squad shows real character and never lets their opponents off easy.
Things aren't as rosy for the French side: only one win from four Champions League rounds and three defeats in their last four official matches. New coach Sébastien Pocognoli has yet to turn things around, and a shaky defense remains the biggest headache, particularly in Ligue 1, where they've lost twice by the same 1-4 scoreline.
Yet in Europe, Monaco's defense has tightened up: back-to-back clean sheets provide inspiration ahead of their trip to Cyprus. The team is unbeaten in three straight Champions League games, and a win in Pafos would mark a milestone — it could be the first time since 2015 that Monaco keeps three consecutive clean sheets in the competition.
Probable lineups
- Pafos: Mihajl, Felipe, Luckassen, Luiz, Sema, Šunjić, Goldar, Pepe, Jaja, Dragomir, Kina
- Monaco: Hrádecký, Kehrer, Salisu, Henrique, Minamino, Teze, Zakaria, Ouattara, Akliouche, Golovin, Balogun
Match facts and head-to-head
- This is the first-ever meeting between Pafos and Monaco.
- Pafos have conceded seven of their eight Champions League goals at home.
- Monaco could keep a third consecutive Champions League clean sheet for the first time since the 2014/15 season.
Prediction
Both teams are cautious and lack firepower up front. Monaco are favorites on paper, but their inconsistency and away status make them vulnerable. Pafos are organized defensively and can put up a fight. Expect a tight and balanced match, so we're backing 'Pafos with a (+1.0) handicap' at 1.80.
