The Matchday 2 clash in the 2025/26 Champions League group stage between Pafos (Cyprus) and Bayern Munich (Germany) will take place on September 30 at the Alphamega Stadium in Limassol. Pafos vs. Bayern: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Pafos
Juan Carlos Carcedo's side managed to hold on for a draw in their away match against Olympiacos in the first round, despite being down a man from the 26th minute (0-0). As a result, Pafos extended their unbeaten run in the Champions League to seven matches (4 wins, 3 draws). Furthermore, the team has kept a clean sheet in four of their last six games in this European competition. In the group stage standings, the Cypriots are in 21st place.
- No more than two goals have been scored in 6 of the team's last 7 Champions League matches.
- The club has conceded a maximum of one goal in their last seven encounters in this European competition.
- The Cypriots have scored exactly 1 or 2 goals in 6 of their last 7 Champions League matches.
Predicted lineup for Pafos (4-3-3)
Neofytos Michael – David Gomez Goldar, Derrick Luckassen, David Luiz, Joao Correia – Ivan Sunjic, Vlad Dragomir, Pepe Rodrigues – Mislav Orsic, Jaja, Landry Dimata.
Forward Bruno is suspended.
Bayern
In the first round, Vincent Kompany's side defeated Chelsea in a home match (3-1). Over their last eight Champions League matches, Bayern has suffered only one defeat (5 wins, 2 draws). Additionally, the club has scored at least two goals in 4 of their previous 5 encounters in this European competition. However, the Munich side has managed to keep a clean sheet only twice in their last ten Champions League encounters. Bayern is currently in sixth place in the group stage standings. It's worth noting that the team has won all six previous European matches against Cypriot clubs with a combined goal difference of 31-2.
- The team has not won 7 of their last 10 away matches in the Champions League (2 draws, 5 losses).
- The club has conceded in 9 of their last 10 away games in this European competition.
- At least three goals have been scored in 7 of the last 8 away matches for the Germans in the Champions League.
Predicted lineup for Bayern (4-5-1)
Manuel Neuer – Sacha Boey, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Konrad Laimer – Serge Gnabry, Michael Olise, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Joshua Kimmich, Luis Diaz – Harry Kane.
Defenders Josip Stanisic, Alphonso Davies, and Hiroki Ito, as well as midfielder Jamal Musiala, are injured.
Referee
Manfredas Lukjanchukas (Lithuania)
Matches – 15 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 67;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.5;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 33%.
Pafos vs. Bayern: Match Prediction
In their debut Champions League season, the Cypriots are performing very successfully. Pafos has overcome three qualifying rounds and already secured their first points in the group stage. However, in the first-round match against Olympiacos, they failed to score for the first time in this Champions League campaign, largely due to an early sending-off. Therefore, it's reasonable to expect another goal-scoring performance from the hosts, despite the high level of their opponent.
Moreover, Bayern cannot boast a reliable defense, especially in away matches. In their last ten away games in the Champions League, the Munich side has kept a clean sheet only once, and in five of those matches, they conceded at least two goals. Additionally, the team allowed their opponents to score in 6 of their last 8 away Bundesliga matches.
I expect the Cypriots to find the back of the net against the Germans, so my prediction: Pafos individual total over 0.5
