Despite being an experienced European contender, having played in the Champions League last season, Pafos's away record is alarming. Ricardo Sá Pinto's side have won only four of their 13 European away matches and have a tendency to sacrifice attacking play for away results, as evidenced by a series of low-scoring matches against top clubs. Meanwhile, Salzburg started the season with two wins (7-1 in the Austrian Cup and 1-0 in the Bundesliga), and coach Danny Röhl is aiming to build a strong lead ahead of the return leg in Cyprus.
Given the hosts' personnel issues (injuries to Lainer, Chase, and others), and Pafos's ability to hold on to results, a rout is unlikely. However, class and home support should help Salzburg secure a victory.
