Champions League: Video of the magnificent goal that qualified the Cypriots of Pafos FC for the league phase
Pafos FC caused a surprise on Tuesday by knocking out Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League play-offs thanks to a superb goal from Brazilian striker Jaja. Former Paris Saint-Germain player David Luiz's Cypriot club will be competing in the Champions League for the first time in its history.
By Le ParisienWe now know the competition's Tom Thumb. By winning both of its play-off matches against Red Star Belgrade, the modest Pafos FC team has just created a sensation by qualifying for the main phase of the Champions League for the first time in its history.
Forced into extra time after a goal from Montenegrin striker Mirko Ivanic on the hour mark, the Cypriots finally came out on top in the final moments of regulation time on Tuesday thanks to a gem from their Brazilian winger Jaja.
He came to mystify the opposing goalkeeper with a lobbed ball after receiving a free kick. A resounding feat for the club, which had already won to everyone's surprise a week ago in the Serbian capital (2-1).
The Cypriot defending champion had already made headlines at the beginning of August by securing the services of former Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea defender David Luiz .
Having just returned from injury, the 38-year-old Brazilian has not yet had the opportunity to make his debut in his new colours, but will therefore be able to return to a competition he knows well, having won it with Chelsea in 2012. With a return to the Parc des Princes on the line? The answer will be this Thursday after the draw, scheduled for 6 p.m.
Le Parisien
