Celades Left Perplexed as Chelsea Edge Past Pafos at Stamford Bridge
Pafos manager Albert Celades cut a bemused figure at Stamford Bridge after his side’s narrow 1–0 Champions League defeat to Chelsea, with the post-match discussion taking an unexpected turn away from football.
The former Real Madrid midfielder had just overseen a disciplined and spirited display from his Cypriot side against Premier League opposition, only to be confronted with a question about an off-field family dispute involving his former team-mate David Beckham and Beckham’s son, Brooklyn.
As Chelsea secured victory by the slimmest of margins, Celades was preparing to reflect on tactics and execution. Instead, the Spaniard was asked whether he had been following the ongoing Beckham family saga, a query that visibly caught him off guard and prompted an immediate look of confusion.
The moment came on a historic night for Pafos, who are competing in the Champions League for the first time. Facing a club with vastly superior resources and experience, Celades’ team were intent on making a competitive statement, and their performance largely delivered on that aim despite the defeat.
The question itself referred to recent headlines in the United Kingdom surrounding a public disagreement between David Beckham and his eldest son. While the issue has generated significant media attention, it had little relevance to a European group stage match involving a Cypriot side in London.
Inside Stamford Bridge, the atmosphere reflected the contrast in expectations. Chelsea dominated possession early, pushing Pafos deep and probing patiently, while the visitors focused on shape, discipline, and compact defensive lines. Celades’ players showed composure on the ball when chances arose, looking to slow the tempo and frustrate the hosts.
Pafos resisted sustained pressure for long spells, with Chelsea forced to circulate the ball and search for openings rather than overwhelming their opponents in the opening exchanges.
Chelsea created the clearer chances in the first half, testing the Pafos back line with quick combinations and movement between the lines. The visitors relied on collective defending and timely interventions to keep the score level, limiting the home side to half-chances and speculative efforts.
There were no major refereeing controversies, but the intensity increased as Chelsea pushed for a breakthrough, aware that patience alone would not be enough.
The decisive moment arrived when Chelsea finally found a way through, capitalising on sustained pressure to score the only goal of the contest. The finish proved enough to separate the sides, leaving Pafos chasing an equaliser while ensuring the hosts remained in control of the tie.
After the break, Pafos showed greater ambition, committing more bodies forward and attempting to disrupt Chelsea’s rhythm. While that approach opened up spaces, it also demonstrated the visitors’ intent to compete rather than simply contain.
Chelsea managed the second half with greater maturity, slowing the game when needed and limiting Pafos to few clear opportunities despite their increased urgency.
The closing stages were tense, with Pafos pushing forward in search of a memorable equaliser. Chelsea defended resolutely, seeing out the final minutes without conceding a clear opening as the visitors’ energy began to fade.
While Chelsea claimed the points, the evening left Pafos with pride rather than regret. Celades earned praise for his side’s organisation and resilience on their biggest stage yet, even if his post-match press conference became memorable for reasons entirely unrelated to the football.