Paphos FC is on the brink of a historic achievement as they host Dynamo Kyiv in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League qualifying tie. Following a stunning 1-0 victory in the first leg in Ukraine, the Cypriot side holds a precious advantage and will be looking to complete one of the biggest upsets in their club’s history. Playing in front of their home fans, Paphos will be a formidable opponent, buoyed by the defensive resilience and tactical discipline they showed in the first match. For Dynamo Kyiv, the task is clear: they must score and win on the road to keep their European dreams alive. The Ukrainian giants, who are perennial contenders in the Champions League, will be under immense pressure to turn the tie around, showcasing their experience and quality.
Paphos, managed by a new head coach, has started their European journey on a remarkable note, securing impressive victories over Maccabi Tel Aviv and now Dynamo Kyiv. The team’s key player has been their star forward, Jajá, who scored the winning goal in the first leg. They also recently made a high-profile signing, bringing in former Brazil international David Luiz, whose experience in high-pressure matches will be invaluable. On the other side, Dynamo Kyiv will be looking for a response from their key players, including midfielder Mykola Shaparenko and forward Vladyslav Vanat. They will need to be more clinical in front of goal after failing to break down a well-organized Paphos defense at home. This second leg promises to be a tense, tactical affair, with everything on the line.
Match Details
Competition: UEFA Champions League, 3rd Qualifying Round (2nd Leg)
Location: Limassol, Cyprus
Stadium: Alphamega Stadium
Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Kick-off Time: 1:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM BST / 7:00 PM CEST
Referee: Davide Massa (Italy)
Head-to-Head & Form Guide
The first leg of this tie was the first-ever meeting between the two clubs. Paphos’s 1-0 win in Ukraine was a major upset, giving them a 100% win record against Dynamo Kyiv. Paphos’s recent form has been exceptional, with two wins and one draw in their last three European qualifiers. They have shown incredible defensive strength, conceding only one goal in their three matches. Dynamo Kyiv, on the other hand, had a strong start to their qualifying campaign with two comfortable wins against Hamrun Spartans but suffered a shock home defeat in the first leg against Paphos. They will need to regroup quickly and find a way to break through a resilient Paphos defense to stay in the competition.
Paphos:
Paphos enters this match as a team full of confidence. Their 1-0 victory in the first leg was a testament to their disciplined defense and opportunistic attack. Their recent signing, David Luiz, is expected to bring a new level of leadership to the squad, and his experience will be critical in this high-pressure match. Up front, Jajá will be the main threat, while the team will rely on a solid midfield anchored by Ivan Šunjić. The team has shown they can defend stoutly and will likely prioritize keeping a clean sheet while looking for chances on the counter-attack to put the tie beyond doubt.
August 5, 2025: Dynamo Kyiv 0–1 Paphos (Champions League)
July 30, 2025: Maccabi Tel Aviv 0–1 Paphos (Champions League)
July 22, 2025: Paphos 1–1 Maccabi Tel Aviv (Champions League)
Dynamo Kyiv:
Dynamo Kyiv faces an uphill battle but remains the more experienced side in European football. The shock defeat in the first leg puts them in a difficult position, but their history of competing at the highest level means they should not be underestimated. The Ukrainian champions will need to be more creative and incisive in their attack. The form of key players like Mykola Shaparenko will be crucial, as will the goal-scoring prowess of Vladyslav Vanat. They are expected to dominate possession and push forward from the start, but they must be wary of Paphos’s dangerous counter-attacks.
August 8, 2025: Rukh Vynnyky 1–5 Dynamo Kyiv (Ukrainian Premier League)
August 5, 2025: Dynamo Kyiv 0–1 Paphos (Champions League)
July 29, 2025: Dynamo Kyiv 3–0 Hamrun Spartans (Champions League)
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
Paphos’s strategy will be to maintain a compact defensive shape, closing down space for Dynamo Kyiv’s attackers and relying on the counter-attack. The experience of David Luiz in the backline will be instrumental in organizing the defense and preventing errors. For Dynamo Kyiv, the focus will be on patient build-up play and stretching the Paphos defense with their wingers and attacking midfielders. The battle in the midfield, between Dynamo’s technical players and Paphos’s hard-working midfielders, will be decisive. Dynamo Kyiv’s ability to create and convert chances will be the key to their success in this do-or-die fixture.
How to Watch Paphos vs. Dynamo Kyiv on TV, Live Stream
CountryTV/Live StreamUnited StatesParamount+, TUDNUnited KingdomTNT SportsCyprusCytavision SportsUkraineMEGOGO
For viewers in the United States, the match will be broadcast on Paramount+ and TUDN. In the United Kingdom, you can catch the action on TNT Sports. Viewers in Cyprus can watch the game on Cytavision Sports, while those in Ukraine can tune in via MEGOGO. For other regions, it is advisable to check official UEFA or local sports broadcasting websites for the most up-to-date information on how to watch the match live.
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