The UEFA Champions League kicks off with an intriguing clash as Olympiacos Piraeus host Pafos at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus on September 17, 2025, at 16:45 GMT+0. With Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs overseeing the match, this group stage encounter promises intensity as the Greek champions face the Cypriot debutants in Europe’s premier competition.
Olympiacos, under José Luis Mendilibar, are riding a wave of domestic success, while Pafos, despite a recent stumble, have shown resilience in their Champions League qualifying campaign. This Olympiacos vs Pafos match prediction highlights key factors that could shape the outcome, from team form to player availability, offering bettors critical insights.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
This Olympiacos vs Pafos prediction today delves into the teams’ recent performances and historical context to provide a clear picture for bettors. Olympiacos are in scintillating form, boasting an eight-match winning streak across all competitions. Pafos, while impressive in qualifiers, face a stern test on the road against a seasoned European side. The absence of direct head-to-head history adds intrigue, as does Olympiacos’ mixed record against Cypriot teams. Expect a tactical battle where home advantage could prove decisive.
Olympiacos Results
Olympiacos have started their Greek Super League campaign with authority, securing three consecutive victories. Their recent 5-0 thrashing of Panserraikos showcased their attacking prowess, with new signing Mehdi Taremi making an immediate impact. The team’s defensive solidity, with five straight clean sheets, further bolsters their confidence heading into this Champions League clash.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 13/09/25 | SL | Olympiacos Piraeus vs Panserraikos | 5-0 | W |
| 30/08/25 | SL | Volos vs Olympiacos Piraeus | 0-2 | W |
| 23/08/25 | SL | Olympiacos Piraeus vs Asteras Tripolis | 2-0 | W |
| 16/08/25 | CF | Inter vs Olympiacos Piraeus | 2-0 | L |
| 14/08/25 | CF | Napoli vs Olympiacos Piraeus | 2-1 | L |
Olympiacos’ domestic form is impeccable, with their last three league games yielding a +9 goal difference. Their ability to score heavily after half-time, as seen in recent matches, suggests a strong second-half focus. However, their losses in pre-season friendlies against strong European sides like Inter and Napoli indicate vulnerabilities against top-tier opposition. The clean sheets in their last five competitive games highlight a robust defensive structure. Taremi’s arrival adds a new dimension to their attack, making them a formidable force at home.
Pafos Results
Pafos have made waves in their debut UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign, overcoming tough opponents like Maccabi Tel Aviv and Red Star Belgrade. Their recent 1-0 loss to Apollon Limassol, however, exposed some fragility in their domestic form. Despite this, their away performances in qualifiers suggest they can compete in challenging environments.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 13/09/25 | CL | Pafos vs Apollon | 0-1 | L |
| 31/08/25 | CL | APOEL vs Pafos | 0-1 | W |
| 26/08/25 | CL | Pafos vs Crvena zvezda | 1-1 | D |
| 19/08/25 | CL | Crvena zvezda vs Pafos | 1-2 | W |
| 12/08/25 | CL | Pafos vs Dyn. Kyiv | 2-0 | W |
Pafos’ qualifying run was marked by defensive resilience, conceding just three goals in six games. Their ability to win on the road, as evidenced by victories over Crvena zvezda and Dynamo Kyiv, shows they are no pushovers. However, their recent loss to Apollon suggests potential inconsistency in domestic play. Low-scoring games, with only one of their last 12 matches exceeding two goals, point to a cautious approach. Jajá’s knack for scoring in crucial moments remains a key asset.
Olympiacos vs Pafos Head-to-Head Record
This match marks the first-ever competitive meeting between Olympiacos and Pafos, adding an element of unpredictability. Olympiacos have a mixed record against Cypriot teams, with five wins, two draws, and three losses in ten European encounters. Pafos, new to this stage, have yet to face Greek opposition in European competitions. With no prior head-to-head data, this match hinges on current form and tactical adaptability. Olympiacos’ experience in European competitions gives them an edge, but Pafos’ qualifying success suggests they can handle high-pressure games. The lack of historical context makes recent performances and player availability critical factors.
Olympiacos Possible Starting Lineup
With goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis suspended, Olympiacos are expected to rely on their robust squad depth.
Paschalakis (GK), Costinha (DF), Biancone (DF), Retsos (DF), Ortega (DF), Hezze (MF), Mouzakitis (MF), Martins (MF), Chiquinho (MF), Cabella (FW), Kaabi (FW).
Pafos Possible Starting Lineup
Pafos are likely to stick with their proven lineup from the qualifying rounds, emphasizing defensive organization and counter-attacking threats.
Michael (GK), Langa (DF), Luckassen (DF), Goldar (DF), Correia (DF), Sunjic (MF), Dragomir (MF), Rodrigues (MF), Silva (FW), Orsic (FW), Felipe (FW).
Key Factors to Watch
Both teams enter this match with distinct strengths and challenges that could shape the outcome. Olympiacos’ home dominance and Pafos’ away resilience set the stage for a competitive encounter. Below are the critical elements to consider in this Olympiacos vs Pafos prediction 2025.
- Olympiacos’ winning streak: Eight consecutive wins across all competitions showcase their momentum;
- Pafos’ defensive solidity: Conceding only three goals in six UCL qualifiers highlights their backline strength;
- Taremi’s impact: Olympiacos’ new signing scored twice on debut, posing a threat to Pafos’ defense;
- Jajá’s clutch scoring: Pafos’ forward has a knack for decisive goals, especially in European matches;
- Olympiacos’ second-half scoring: All ten of their recent goals came after half-time, suggesting a strong finish;
- Pafos’ low-scoring games: Only one of their last 12 matches had over two goals, indicating a tight contest;
- Player availability: Olympiacos’ goalkeeper Tzolakis is suspended, and Martins’ fitness is uncertain;
- Home advantage: The passionate crowd at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium could tilt the game in Olympiacos’ favor.
Free Tips on Olympiacos vs Pafos
To enhance your betting strategy for the Olympiacos vs Pafos match, consider these carefully selected tips based on statistical trends and team dynamics. These insights focus on unique aspects not covered in the key factors, such as referee tendencies, pitch conditions, and scheduling impacts. They aim to provide bettors with an edge in predicting the outcome of this Champions League clash.
- Referee tendencies: Istvan Kovacs is known for strict officiating, averaging 4.5 cards per game in European matches, suggesting a potential for bookings in a heated encounter.
- Pitch conditions: The natural grass at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium is well-maintained, favoring Olympiacos’ fluid passing game over Pafos, who are accustomed to artificial turf in Cyprus.
- Recent schedule fatigue: Olympiacos’ lighter domestic schedule gives them fresher legs compared to Pafos, who faced a grueling qualifying campaign with multiple away trips.
- Fan influence: The vocal home crowd at Piraeus, often dubbed the “12th man,” could pressure Pafos, especially in their first Champions League main draw match.
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Olympiacos vs Pafos Match Prediction 2025
In this Olympiacos vs Pafos match prediction, the Greek side appears to hold the upper hand due to their formidable home form and attacking depth. Olympiacos’ eight-match winning streak, coupled with five consecutive clean sheets, makes them favorite, especially at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, where the crowd can create a hostile atmosphere. Their tendency to score after half-time, driven by players like Taremi, suggests they could capitalize on any defensive lapses from Pafos. The Olympiacos vs Pafos odds reflect this, with bookmakers likely favoring a home win given Olympiacos’ experience in European competitions.
Pafos, however, should not be underestimated. Their qualifying campaign demonstrated resilience, particularly in away games, with wins over Crvena zvezda and Dynamo Kyiv. Jajá’s ability to score in crucial moments could keep them in the game, but their recent loss to Apollon and a cautious approach (low-scoring games) may limit their attacking output. Olympiacos’ missing goalkeeper Tzolakis is a concern, but their defensive structure has held firm regardless. While Pafos might frustrate Olympiacos early, the hosts’ second-half intensity should secure a narrow victory, likely by a one-goal margin. A 2-0 scoreline feels realistic, balancing Olympiacos’ attacking prowess with Pafos’ defensive resilience.
Our Prediction: Olympiacos 2-0 Pafos
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Outcome | Olympiacos to Win | 1.4 |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 | 1.97 |
| Both Teams to Score | No | 1.73 |
For those looking to place a wager, the Olympiacos vs Pafos betting tips suggest focusing on a home win and second-half goals. Stake your bet on the match – Olympiacos vs Pafos you can make on bc.game, where competitive odds await.
