Pafos FC 2-2 Monaco: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Bwin’s post-match review of Pafos FC 2-2 Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Monaco struck early in this Europa League encounter, with Takumi Minamino finding the net in the 5th minute to give the visitors a swift lead. Pafos FC responded well, equalising through David Luiz in the 18th minute from a Mislav Orsic assist, but Monaco regained the advantage when Folarin Balogun scored in the 26th. The first half saw several yellow cards, including one for Pafos’s David Goldar in the 45+3rd minute, setting a tense tone as both sides pushed for control.

The second half brought substitutions for both teams, with Pafos making changes at the 46th, 57th, 69th, and 79th minutes, while Monaco adjusted at the 65th, 76th, and 89th. Despite Monaco’s slight edge in possession and dribbles, Pafos fought back late, benefiting from an own goal in the 88th minute to secure a 2-2 draw. Yellow cards continued to accumulate, with David Luiz booked for Pafos in the 88th and Mohammed Salisu for Monaco in the 90+1st, reflecting a hard-fought battle that ended level.

Possession was closely contested at 48% for Pafos FC and 52% for Monaco, allowing the visitors a marginal advantage in building attacks, which translated into more successful dribbles at 65 compared to Pafos’s 47. Corners favoured Pafos with 5 against Monaco’s 3, indicating better set-piece opportunities that paid off in their late equaliser, while the card count showed Monaco picking up 3 yellows to Pafos’s 2, potentially disrupting their rhythm in key phases. Assists were even at 1 each, underlining efficient finishing on both sides without heavy reliance on creative play.

Substitutions saw Pafos use 4, starting with B. Langa replacing D. Goldar at 46’, followed by Jaja for D. Quina at 57’, M. Bassouamina for Anderson Silva at 69’, and L. Dimata for V. Dragomir at 79’, which helped refresh their attack for the late push. Monaco utilised 6 changes, including double switches at 65’ where L. Michal replaced A. Golovin and M. Coulibaly came on for L. Camara, then at 76’ T. Kehrer for Vanderson and A. Fati for T. Minamino, before M. Biereth substituted F. Balogun at 89’; these moves aimed to maintain energy but couldn’t prevent the own goal that levelled the scores.

The match’s decisive moments began with Monaco’s early breakthrough as Takumi Minamino scored in the 5th minute, assisted by Maghnes Akliouche, setting an aggressive tone for the visitors. Pafos hit back in the 18th through David Luiz, assisted by Mislav Orsic, before Folarin Balogun restored Monaco’s lead in the 26th, capitalising on a lapse by the goalkeeper. Yellow cards added tension, such as Lamine Camara’s for Monaco in the 21st and Aleksandr Golovin’s in the 28th, while Pafos’s David Goldar was booked in the 45+3rd for a foul.

A late own goal in the 88th proved the ultimate turning point, drawing Pafos level and denying Monaco the win, shortly after David Luiz received a yellow in the same minute for dissent. Impact substitutions, like Monaco’s introduction of L. Michal and M. Coulibaly at 65’ to bolster midfield, helped maintain pressure, but Pafos’s changes, including M. Bassouamina for Anderson Silva at 69’, injected fresh legs that contributed to their resilient comeback. Mohammed Salisu’s yellow in the 90+1st for Monaco capped a frantic end, highlighting the physical demands of the contest.

Pafos FC lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, providing a solid defensive base while allowing creative outlets in attack, with David Luiz anchoring the backline and contributing offensively. Standout partnerships included the link-up between Mislav Orsic and David Luiz, which delivered the equaliser, supported by midfield control that helped balance their possession share.

Monaco deployed a 4-2-3-1 shape, emphasising quick transitions and width, with Takumi Minamino and Folarin Balogun forming a potent attacking duo that netted both goals. Key roles saw Maghnes Akliouche providing the assist for the opener, while the midfield pairing offered stability from the start.

Takumi Minamino earned Man of the Match honours for his early goal in the 5th minute, which set Monaco on course for what looked like a potential victory, combined with his overall involvement in attacks before being substituted at 76’ for Ansu Fati. His composure and positioning stood out in a tightly contested game, even as the late own goal denied his side the full points.

Recent Champions League matches:

• Draw: 2-2 vs Monaco (H)
• Win: 1-0 vs Villarreal (H)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Kairat (A)
• Loss: 1-5 vs FC Bayern München (H)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Olympiacos F.C. (A)

Recent Champions League matches:

• Draw: 2-2 vs Pafos FC (A)
• Win: 1-0 vs Bodø / Glimt (A)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Tottenham Hotspur (H)
• Draw: 2-2 vs Manchester City (H)
• Loss: 1-4 vs Club Brugge (A)

This hard-earned 2-2 draw keeps Pafos FC competitive in their Champion League campaign, showcasing resilience with a late equaliser that could boost morale after trailing twice. They will aim to build on this point in their next Champions League fixture, as they travel to Turin to face Juventus.

Monaco’s 2-2 result extends their unbeaten run but will feel like points dropped after leading twice, highlighting the need for better game management in closing stages. Looking ahead, they face their next match against PSG with an eye on sharpening finishing and reducing defensive errors to maintain momentum.

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