Ghanaian-Dutch defender Derrick Luckassen Scores winner as Pafos stun Villarreal in Champions League

Dutch-born defender of Ghanaian descent, Derrick Luckassen, was the hero for Cypriot side Pafos FC as they claimed a memorable 1-0 victory over Spanish outfit Villarreal in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

Luckassen’s powerful header in the 46th minute proved decisive, earning Pafos their first-ever win in the competition and deepening Villarreal’s struggles in Europe this season.

The 30-year-old defender rose unmarked to meet a corner just after halftime, steering the ball past the Villarreal goalkeeper and sending the home crowd into raptures. His goal not only sealed three historic points for Pafos but also marked one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far.

Born in the Netherlands to Ghanaian parents, Luckassen has represented the Netherlands at youth level but remains eligible to play for Ghana at senior level.

Villarreal, currently third in La Liga, remain winless in Europe with just one point after four games, while Pafos move up to five points, keeping their qualification hopes alive.

The result is a landmark achievement for both Luckassen and Pafos, who celebrated their first victory on the Champions League stage in front of a jubilant home crowd.