Rank outsiders or more? Bayern’s opponents Pafos under the spotlight | OneFootball

FC Bayern is preparing for their second match in the Champions League group stage. This time, they are heading on their first away trip, to Cyprus to face Pafos FC. FCBinside provides a check on the opponent.

Of all the opponents waiting for Bayern in the group stage, the Cypriots are certainly the least known team. However, the leaders of the domestic league have big plans against Bayern and aim to surprise the record champions.

And they managed to surprise right at the start of the new season. Two weeks ago, they managed to draw away at Olympiakos, despite the Cypriots having to play with a man down for a significant period of time.

Pafos Squad with Few Stars

Photo: IMAGO

But what exactly does Bayern have to prepare for? The squad of the Cypriot champions is not exactly filled with big names. There are no stars, the most prominent names are mostly past their prime. This includes central defender David Luiz, who has had a long career playing for clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal. He is a crucial pillar for the defense and a conductor in the backline.

Also well-known and experienced is fellow defender Derrick Luckassen, who has played for PSV and Hertha BSC among others. Another former Hertha player, Ivan Sunjic, cleans up in defensive midfield. Additionally, there is a player who had a stint in the Bundesliga: Landry Dimata. The striker was under contract with VfL Wolfsburg from 2017 to 2019. Otherwise, it is a team of largely "nameless" players, which is not surprising considering the quality of the league in Cyprus.

What FC Bayern Needs to Watch Out For

There is no question that FC Bayern has clear advantages both in terms of football and individual skills compared to Pafos FC. The Bundesliga leaders are better equipped in every position. However, away games in the Champions League always bring a certain amount of excitement, especially in a match where the balance of power is so clearly distributed. Pafos will be motivated, they want to challenge Bayern from the start, run a lot and maintain a very high intensity throughout the game.

And it can be expected that the Cypriots will manage to do so. The team of Juan Carlos Carcedo is fit, has additional options in the squad and can make one or two player changes without significant loss of quality. Moreover, the Bayern opponent has weapons in counter-attacking. The wingers around Jaja bring speed, and the full-backs can also play an important role in the transition game. Good counter-attack protection is therefore essential for Bayern.

Furthermore, the Cypriots are a physically strong team. They do not shy away from duels, throw themselves into the opponent's shots and attacks, and are not to be underestimated even when it comes to set pieces. Therefore, Bayern's task will also be to avoid unnecessary corners and free kicks for the opponent. If they manage to do this and constantly challenge and keep the often cleverly shifting team in motion, then the second victory in the Champions League is just a formality.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.