<p>Cypriot champions Pafos stand just 90 minutes away from the most remarkable Champions League qualification story in recent memory.</p> <p>Leading 2-1 from their stunning first-leg victory in Belgrade, the defending league winners host Red Star Belgrade tonight knowing that European football's ultimate prize awaits.</p> <h2>David vs Goliath Becomes Reality</h2> <p>Few gave Pafos any hope when they travelled to the intimidating Rajko Mitić Stadium last week.</p> <p>Red Star Belgrade, with their rich European heritage and passionate support, were overwhelming favourites to progress. Instead, the Cypriot minnows produced one of the most impressive away performances in their short Champions League journey.</p> <p>Goals from Joao Correia and a Pêpê Rodrigues penalty gave Pafos a commanding 2-0 lead before Red Star's late consolation goal. The result left the Serbian giants stunned and facing an uphill battle to salvage their European campaign.</p> <p>For a club that won their first-ever league title just months ago, reaching this stage represents an extraordinary achievement. Pafos have already eliminated Dynamo Kyiv and other established European names, proving their credentials aren't built on luck alone.</p> <h2>Red Star's Redemption Mission</h2> <p>Currently sitting third in the Serbian SuperLiga, Red Star arrive in Cyprus carrying the weight of expectation and wounded pride. Their domestic form has been solid with four wins from four league matches, but European knockout football demands a different mentality entirely.</p> <p>The Serbian champions possess genuine quality throughout their squad and the experience of previous Champions League campaigns. Players like striker Mahmudu Bajo and the creative midfield talent know what's required in these pressure situations. The question is whether they can produce it on foreign soil.</p> <p>Red Star's away form in Europe has been patchy this season, and the hostile atmosphere at the Alphamega Stadium won't make their task any easier. Pafos supporters will create a cauldron of noise, desperate to witness their team's greatest night.</p> <h2>Pafos vs FK Crvena Zvezda Prediction</h2> <p>Pafos need only avoid defeat to reach the Champions League group stage for the first time in their history. Even a narrow 1-0 defeat would force extra time, giving them additional opportunities to find that crucial away goal.</p> <p>Red Star must score at least twice without reply - a tall order against a side that is quite good at not conceding goals. Their defensive discipline, combined with home advantage, makes Pafos awkward opponents for any visiting team.</p> <p>The Cypriots have opened the scoring in eight consecutive matches across all competitions, suggesting they know how to start games positively. An early goal tonight would leave Red Star needing a minor miracle.</p> <p>Prediction: <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/uefa-competitions/uefa-champions-league-qualifiers/paphos-fc-v-crvena-zvezda-9536795">Pafos to complete their fairytale journey with a 1-1 draw</a>, qualifying 3-2 on aggregate. The Cypriot champions' defensive organisation and home support should prove enough to hold off Red Star's inevitable pressure.</p>