Pafos Edge Past Salzburg in Late Drama
Pafos claimed a 1-0 victory over RB Salzburg in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League on August 6th, 2026. The Cypriot side held firm despite Salzburg dominating possession and creating more chances. It was a result that defied the statistics, and here's the thing — matches are rarely won on paper alone.
The decisive moment arrived late. Haris Tabakovic scored in the 88th minute to rescue a point from what looked like certain defeat. The goal came after Salzburg had pushed hard for an equaliser, and the home crowd roared them on through those final minutes. By then, the visitors were growing desperate, and desperation often leads to mistakes.
Kristijan Sema's red card in stoppage time — 90+3 minutes — added drama to an already tense finish. The Salzburg midfielder had already received a yellow card in the 46th minute, and his second came just after Tabakovic's strike. Salzburg were reduced to ten men with seconds remaining, and the visitors had to accept the heartbreak of losing from the lead.
The statistics tell a different story. Salzburg enjoyed 59 per cent possession and earned thirteen corners compared to Pafos's zero. They registered three shots on target against one, yet could not find the net until the dying moments. Many shots with one goal means chances went begging — and that is precisely what happened here.
Pafos had shown vulnerability before this match, losing 0-2 to Hajduk Split on their previous outing. But they demonstrated resilience, weathering Salzburg's pressure and capitalising on a single opportunity. The victory puts them on a good run in European competition, even if the journey is far from over.
Selbstredlich, the match will be remembered for Tabakovic's late goal and Sema's dismissal. But it was also a reminder that football is unpredictable — three or four moments decide games, the rest is just noise. Pafos held the tie in their own hands now, and that is all that matters.