Olympiacos Held to Frustrating 0-0 Draw by Defensive Pafos in Champions League Opener

PIRAEUS, GREECE — Olympiacos were left frustrated on Wednesday night after being held to a goalless draw by Cypriot side Pafos in their opening group stage match of the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League. Despite dominating possession and creating more chances, the Greek giants failed to convert their superiority into goals as Pafos defended deep and left the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium with a valuable point.

Olympiacos Held to Frustrating 0-0 Draw by Defensive Pafos in Champions League Opener

From the outset, Olympiacos looked the more ambitious side, asserting early control of the ball and pinning Pafos deep into their own half. With nearly 70 percent possession throughout the match, the hosts constantly pressed forward, using their wide players to stretch the Pafos back line. However, Pafos executed a disciplined defensive game plan, sitting in a compact 4‑1‑4‑1 formation that absorbed pressure and limited Olympiacos to half-chances.

Olympiacos recorded 18 total shots, but only three were on target. The final ball was often lacking, and although their buildup play was promising at times, they found it difficult to break through a resolute Pafos defense. Set pieces and crosses into the box were frequent, but lacked precision or were well cleared by the visitors.

Pafos, meanwhile, were content to defend in numbers and looked to exploit occasional counterattacking opportunities. They managed just six shots in total, with only one hitting the target. Their attacking efforts were minimal, but their defensive discipline and work rate made the difference on the night.

The best chance of the game fell to Olympiacos in the 78th minute, when a low cross from the right caused panic in the Pafos box. The loose ball fell to the feet of an Olympiacos forward, but the effort was blocked by a last-ditch sliding challenge from a Pafos defender. It was one of several moments where Olympiacos came close, only to be denied by determined defending.

This result leaves both teams with one point to open the group stage. For Olympiacos, it will feel like a missed opportunity — not just because they failed to win at home, but because of their overwhelming dominance in terms of possession and territory. For Pafos, it was a successful defensive outing and an important result away from home.

Olympiacos will now need to refocus ahead of their next group match, where sharper finishing and better decision-making in the final third will be crucial. Pafos, on the other hand, will take great confidence from the result and hope to build on it with stronger attacking performances as the group stage progresses.

The night belonged to the defenders. And while Olympiacos may feel they should have won, Pafos left Piraeus with a point that could prove vital in what is shaping up to be a competitive group.

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Despite the one-sided statistics — Olympiacos had 9 corners to Pafos’ 0 — the visitors showed remarkable defensive organization. Their goalkeeper remained composed throughout, making a few important interventions but rarely being stretched. The entire back line operated as a tight unit, clearing balls under pressure and maintaining shape even under sustained attacks.

The match was played in front of a lively home crowd in Piraeus, but the fans' energy couldn't push Olympiacos over the line. Coach and players alike were visibly disappointed at full-time, knowing they had let two points slip away despite being the more dominant side.

Three yellow cards were shown to Olympiacos players for persistent fouling and frustration, while Pafos collected just one, largely due to their composed and cautious approach. The referee allowed the game to flow but had to manage growing tensions in the second half as Olympiacos pushed harder for a winner.

In the final minutes, Olympiacos threw men forward, making attacking substitutions and pushing their full-backs high. Pafos, however, continued to defend deep and refused to give in. The added seven minutes of stoppage time offered one last push for the hosts, but the visitors held on to secure a well-earned draw.