Red Star Belgrade vs Pafos UEFA Champions League Playoff: How to Watch and Who’s Commentating in the UK on August 19, 2025

The UEFA Champions League playoff between Red Star Belgrade and Pafos FC is set for Tuesday, 19 August 2025, kicking off at 20:00 UK time. British football fans can watch this key match on TNT Sports 2 HD and Virgin Media More HD, with Discovery+ UK also streaming the game. These platforms provide comprehensive coverage of the qualifiers as teams battle for a coveted place in the Champions League group stage.

British viewers tuning into the match on TNT Sports 2 HD and Virgin Media More HD will hear Mark Rodden provide main commentary. Rodden is a well-established British football commentator with a distinguished career covering domestic and international matches. Having worked extensively for both TNT Sports and Sky Sports, Rodden is known for his insightful analysis and clear play-by-play narration, making him a familiar voice for UK football fans.

The match takes place at Rajko Mitić Stadium in Belgrade, Serbia, home of Red Star Belgrade. The Serbian side is motivated after progressing through earlier qualification rounds and will field a strong starting lineup, reverting to their first-choice squad after a period of rotation. Key players expected to start include goalkeeper Matheus Magalhaes, striker Cherif Ndiaye—who usually partners with Bruno Duarte—and notable midfield presence. However, defender Rodrigao will be sidelined due to suspension.

On the other side, Cypriot club Pafos FC have a multinational squad with several players vying for attacking roles, including Jaja, Anderson Silva, and Swedish forward Muamer Tankovic. Manager Juan Carlos Carcedo has strong options despite a suspension for midfielder Domingos Quina. Only goalkeeper Neofytos Michail and left-back Kostas Pileas are regular Cypriot starters on the team.

This tie is critical as it determines which team advances to the UEFA Champions League proper, where the competition intensifies against Europe's elite clubs. Red Star Belgrade’s experience in European competition, contrasted with Pafos’ emerging profile, adds intrigue for viewers.

Where to Watch in the UK

• TNT Sports 2 HD: Primary live broadcast channel for the fixture, with extensive pre-match and post-match analysis.
• Virgin Media More HD: Offers another live channel option for Virgin Media subscribers.
• Discovery+ UK: Streaming platform carrying the match live for subscribers who prefer online viewing.

These channels maintain strong reputations for delivering high-quality Champions League coverage, backed by experienced production teams and expert pundits.

About the Commentator – Mark Rodden

Mark Rodden has an extensive career across British football broadcasting. He has worked with major outlets such as Sky Sports and BT Sport before joining TNT Sports, where he covers a wide range of domestic leagues and European competitions. His style is praised for clear commentary, insightful tactical observations, and a balanced approach to both teams. His commentary during the Red Star vs Pafos play-off will guide UK viewers through every key moment.

Background on Teams and Competition

Red Star Belgrade (Crvena Zvezda) is a storied Serbian club with a rich European history, including winning the European Cup in 1991. They regularly feature in UEFA competitions and boast passionate fan support at home. Their route through qualifying rounds this summer has been solid, making them favourites in this fixture.

Pafos FC is an ambitious Cypriot club making strides in European football. While less experienced at this high level, they have a diverse squad and an energetic style that could pose problems for their opponents.

The UEFA Champions League playoff round is a make-or-break step for teams like Red Star and Pafos, who seek to enter the lucrative group stage.

Useful Links for Football Fans

• UEFA Champions League Official Site – Latest news, fixtures, and official info on the competition.
• TNT Sports Football Coverage – Details on TNT Sports channels and upcoming broadcast schedules.
• Red Star Belgrade Official Site – Club news, player information, and ticket details.