PAFOS enjoyed a night to remember after staging a late comeback to seal a draw against Monaco – and Premier League icon David Luiz played a pivotal role.
The Cypriot minnows went behind twice at the Alphamega Stadium, only to secure a share of the spoils thanks to an own goal from former Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu in the dying moments.
David Luiz was among the scorers in Pafos’ draw with MonacoCredit: Reuters
It was his first Champions League goal since netting for Chelsea in October 2017Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
And the drama came after Luiz had also grabbed his first goal in EIGHT YEARS.
The Brazilian rose highest to meet Mislav Orsic’s corner and cancelled out Takumi Minamino’s early opener for Monaco.
It was the first time Luiz had got his name on the scoresheet in a Champions League clash since netting for against Roma in October 2017.
Although Folarin Balogun quickly restored Les Monegasques’ lead midway through the first half, Pafos would not be denied.
Salisu could not react in time after Ivan Sunjic’s header had clattered off the crossbar and he inadvertently drew the home side level.
Luiz, 38, only joined Pafos on a two-year contract in August – days after he left Brazilian side Fortaleza by mutual consent.
And the early stages of his career in Cyprus did not go to plan as during a Champions League encounter with Olympiacos.
But Luiz enjoyed two memorable spells with Chelsea, thanks to lifting silverware six times.
The centre-back scored from the penalty spot as the Blues overcame Bayern Munich in the 2012 Champions League Final in the shoot-out.
also got his hands on the Premier League title, along with the FA Cup twice and the Europa League on as many occasions.
But he admitted that he made a controversial £8million move from Stamford Bridge to Arsenal, in 2019, because of .
Vitoria, Benfica, Paris Saint-Germain and Flamengo are also among Luiz’s former clubs.
He is set to return to Chelsea on January 21, when Pafos will head to West London for a Champions League encounter.
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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