Pafos FC’s remarkable Champions League journey reaches its biggest night yet as they host Bayern Munich and Harry Kane in Cyprus. Head coach Juan Carlos Carcedo admits one man won’t be enough to stop the English striker, but believes veteran defender David Luiz could be decisive. The Spaniard also hopes his Premier League experience will prove useful against Bayern’s prolific No.9.

Pafos face Bayern in historic Champions League clash

The Cypriot club are set for one of the biggest games in their short history as they welcome Vincent Kompany's Bayern to Cyprus in the Champions League. Pafos, formed just over a decade ago, face the German giants led by Kane, who has been in ruthless form. For Pafos, the night is about testing themselves against Europe’s elite on the grandest stage yet.

Advertisement'One man isn't enough' – Carcedo on stopping Kane

Head coach Juan Carlos Carcedo spoke openly in his pre-match press conference about the daunting task of containing the prolific English hit man, admitting it would require far more than individual brilliance to keep him quiet. The Spanish coach, who once worked as an assistant at Arsenal, drew on his Premier League experience to explain the magnitude of the challenge.

"I know his playing style very well because, when I was assistant coach at Arsenal, we often faced Tottenham. Back then, I even took a close look at him when analysing individual players," Carcedo said. "He has an incredible range of skills. I think many people only realised how good he really is very late. But I've long considered him a superlative player. One man isn't enough to stop him. We want to try to be a well-organized team and prevent him from scoring against us."

AFPDavid Luiz 's experience 'key'

Carcedo also stressed the importance of David Luiz in the upcoming clash, the top name in the Pafos side. The ex-Chelsea, Arsenal and PSG defender, who joined the club in August after leaving Brazilian side Fortaleza, has returned to fitness just in time, and his knowledge of Kane could be vital. 

“David Luiz could be a key help if he gets fit in time. Not only is he our only player with a lot of Champions League experience, he also knows Kane from our time together at Arsenal,” the coach noted. 

Luiz’s presence will be crucial for a squad lacking European pedigree. The Brazilian hero was also notably a part of the Chelsea team that beat Bayern in the 2012 Champions League final.

Getty Images SportThe Bavarians arrive in form

Kompany’s side are unbeaten this season and boast an attack firing on all cylinders, with Kane already surpassing the 100-goal mark for the club in just 104 games, another remarkable achievement by the English 'history maker'

For Pafos, simply being part of the Champions League league phase is a landmark achievement. They have already made history by qualifying, and hosting Bayern will only raise their profile further. “The fact that FC Bayern would one day visit us in the Champions League was completely unimaginable until recently – now we just want to enjoy it. We want to be bold at home," said Carcedo.

After Tuesday’s clash, Carcedo’s side face Juventus in December and Chelsea in January, fixtures that will test their limits but also cement their growing reputation on the European stage.