Both of these clubs are looking for a win here, but it will be Chelsea who are likely to outshine Pafos in their upcoming UEFA Champions League battle.
Match info: UEFA Champions League
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
Date: Wednesday, 21st January2026
Time: 9 pm Nigerian time
Competing in their fourth different tournament in the space of four games, Chelsea host Pafos FC in Wednesday's Champions League league-phase clash at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues lie two points off the automatic last-16 places with two games to go,while the Cypriot side are still fighting for their right to enter the playoffs.
Head-to-head:
- Both teams have never faced each other before.
- Chelsea have won two of their last five matches.
- Pafos have three wins to their name in their last five attempts.
- Chelsea's only prior meetings with a Cypriot side came against APOEL.
- The Blues have lost only two of their last 62 UEFA competition group stage/league phase matches at Stamford Bridge. They are unbeaten.
- Chelsea have scored in their last 21 European games.
- Pafos have won only two of their last seven UEFA competition matches .
- The Cypriot side have not scored a goal in their three away league phase fixtures this season.
- Pafos defender David Luiz won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012, and added UEFA Europa League titles in 2013 and 2019 across two spells at the club.
Form:
- Chelsea in the Champions League: W-W-D-W-L
- Chelsea in all competitions: D-L-W-L-W
- Pafos FC in the Champions League: L-D-W-D-L
- Pafos FC in all competitions: W-L-W-W-L
Team News:
- Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, Tosin Adarabioyo and Jamie Gittens are not going to be inaction for Chelsea. They are not match fit. Cole Palmer, Estevao and Malo Gustoare not yet confirmed to be a part of the squad due to fitness concerns.
- Pafos will miss out on the services of Pedro as he is injured.
Player(s) to watch:
- João Pedro is coming in after scoring an important goal for Chelsea in their 2-0 win against Brentford in the Premier League. He will be ready to help his side in the attacking front once again and is going to be a constant threat to the opponent’s defence. The24-year-old has scored one goal in the current campaign of the Champions League and will be looking to add more to his tally.
- Mislav Orsic will be looking to step up his game so that he can help his side stand a chance against the Blues. Even though he has only scored one goal in the UCL this season, Orsic is still going to be one of the important aspects of the squad for Pafos. A top performance from him might be useful for the visitors here.