Cypriot teams Omonoia and Pafos prepare for European competition matches

Cypriot football teams Omonoia and Pafos are set to compete in European tournaments this Thursday, October 15, 2026. In the second matchday of the Europa League League Phase, Omonoia will travel to Slovenia to face Celje at 19:45, with Azeri referee Elchin Masiyev officiating and Italian Luca Pairetto assigned to VAR. Meanwhile, in the opening matchday of the Conference League League Phase, Pafos travels to Bergamo, Italy, to play against Atalanta at 22:00. The match will be officiated by Swedish referee Adam Ladeback, with Belgian Jan Boterberg overseeing VAR.

The Pafos delegation, accompanied by approximately 300 traveling fans, arrived in Bergamo on Wednesday. Coach Ricardo Sa Pinto will be missing injured players David Goldar and Nicolas Enganamou. Atalanta’s coach, Maurizio Sarri, acknowledged the tactical challenge posed by the Cypriot side and noted he may utilize a rotation strategy to manage his squad's heavy schedule. The matches serve as critical tests for both Cypriot clubs as they aim to advance through the league phases and maintain their presence in European competition beyond the Christmas period.