Chelsea Face Pafos In High-Stakes Champions League Clash

Stamford Bridge is set for a high-stakes UEFA Champions League showdown on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, as Chelsea welcome Cypriot champions Pafos FC in Matchday 7 of the league phase. The air is thick with anticipation—and a touch of anxiety—for both clubs, with postseason dreams and reputations hanging in the balance as kickoff approaches at 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT).

This clash marks the very first competitive meeting between the two sides, and the stakes could hardly be higher. Chelsea, perched just outside the coveted top eight with 10 points after six matches, are under immense pressure to secure a win that would keep their hopes of direct qualification to the Round of 16 alive. The Blues have managed three wins, a draw, and two losses in the group, and with the league phase so tightly packed, there’s simply no margin for error. Every point is precious, every slip potentially fatal to their European ambitions.

Manager Liam Rosenior, who steps into the Champions League spotlight for the first time in his managerial career, faces a delicate balancing act. His tenure at Chelsea has already seen a whirlwind of competition—his first three games in charge coming across three different tournaments. The recent 2-0 Premier League victory over Brentford provided a confidence boost, but the squad’s depth will be tested once more. Injuries and suspensions continue to plague the Blues: Tosin Adarabioyo (hamstring), Levi Colwill (knee), and Romeo Lavia (thigh) are all sidelined, while Mykhaylo Mudryk remains unavailable due to a doping ban. Cole Palmer, who has been a standout performer, is nursing a groin issue and could be rested, with João Pedro likely to step into the No. 10 role.

“Cole Palmer looked in pain after playing 90 minutes at the weekend, with Chelsea’s talisman continuing to be hampered by a groin issue. He could be rested in the week,” noted Sports Illustrated, highlighting the manager’s selection dilemma. Estêvão and Jamie Gittens, both ill ahead of the Brentford match, may return for this crucial fixture, while Malo Gusto is still a doubt with a knock.

Rosenior’s likely lineup against Pafos is expected to feature Sánchez in goal; Acheampong, Fofana, Badiashile, and Hato across the back; Santos and Fernández in midfield; and an attacking trio of Estêvão, Pedro, and Garnacho supporting Delap up front. The manager may also use this opportunity to rotate, given the grueling fixture congestion and the need to keep key players fresh for the Premier League run-in.

On the other side, Pafos FC arrive in London as underdogs but with their own ambitions intact. The Cypriot champions, currently 26th in the league phase table with six points from six matches, have exceeded expectations in their debut Champions League campaign. Their record—one win, three draws, and two losses—keeps them in the hunt for a top-24 finish and a place in the Round of 32. However, their task is made harder by a recent managerial change: Sofyane Cherfa, inexperienced at this level, took over after Juan Carlos Carcedo’s departure, and he faces a stern test to rally his squad for what could be a defining night in the club’s history.

Pafos, too, are not immune to selection headaches. Defensive stalwart David Luiz, a former Chelsea hero, is racing against time to be fit after picking up an injury at the weekend. Pafos press officer Christoforos Mattheou summed up the sentiment: “If he is not selected, it will be a big loss for us, but also for him. He would really like to play against his former team that made history, but let’s not wait to see if he will be retained in the squad.” Both Joao Correia and Pedrao are out with ACL injuries, while David Goldar is also doubtful.

Pafos’ predicted lineup features Gorter in goal; Bruno, Luckassen, Langa, and Pileas in defense; a midfield trio of Pêpê, Šunjić, and Quina; and Dragomir, Silva, and Oršić leading the attack. The visitors’ recent form is a mixed bag, with a 2-0 defeat to Olympiacos in their last Champions League outing but wins in domestic competition keeping their spirits high.

For fans eager to catch every minute, the match will be broadcast in the United States on Paramount+ and ViX, with a 7-day free trial available for new Paramount+ subscribers. In the UK, coverage comes via TNT Sports 3 and discovery+, while Canadian viewers can tune in on DAZN Canada and fuboTV Canada. The global reach of the Champions League ensures that supporters from both camps—and neutrals drawn by the drama—won’t miss a beat.

The match referee will be Erik Lambrechts of Belgium, with Carlos del Cerro Grande of Spain overseeing VAR duties. Stamford Bridge, always an intimidating venue for visiting sides, is expected to be buzzing with anticipation as the Blues look to assert their dominance and keep their European campaign on track.

While Chelsea are widely tipped as favorites given their pedigree and home advantage, Pafos have shown they can punch above their weight. Their journey to this stage has been nothing short of remarkable, and with the pressure off, they may just relish the chance to spring a surprise. Yet, goalscoring has been a persistent issue for the visitors, and with Chelsea eager to control proceedings, the hosts will look to keep things tight at the back while probing for opportunities up front.

Elsewhere in the Champions League, Premier League rivals Liverpool and Newcastle are also in action, adding to the electric atmosphere on this penultimate week of the league phase. With so much at stake and so many permutations in play, every moment matters—not just for Chelsea and Pafos, but for the entire European football landscape.

As the clock ticks down to kickoff, one thing is certain: both teams will leave it all on the pitch, knowing that the outcome could shape their seasons and futures. Whether it’s the established might of Chelsea or the rising hopes of Pafos, the night promises drama, passion, and the kind of unpredictability that has made the Champions League the crown jewel of European football.

With the action set to unfold under the lights at Stamford Bridge, fans can look forward to a contest brimming with storylines, individual battles, and the ever-present possibility of a Champions League upset. The outcome? Still to be decided on the pitch, with everything left to play for as the league phase nears its dramatic conclusion.