The equalizer, making it 1-1, was scored in the 18th minute when Mislav Orsic delivered a corner kick, and David Luiz rose high to powerfully head it in.

David Luiz's goal against Monaco was the first in this season's Champions League scored by a player born in the 1980s against a goalkeeper also born in the same decade – Lukas Hradecky, born in 1989.

At 38 years and 218 days old, Luiz became the second-oldest player to score in the Champions League, trailing only former Portugal defender Pepe (40 years and 290 days). Following Luiz are Francesco Totti (38 years, 59 days), Ryan Giggs (37 years, 289 days), and Sergio Ramos (37 years, 257 days).

Luiz celebrates his goal against Monaco at Alphamega Stadium, Limassol, Cyprus on 26/11. *Photo: Reuters*

Luiz had not scored in the Champions League since opening the scoring for Chelsea in a 3-3 draw against AS Roma at Stamford Bridge during the 2017 group stage. The former Chelsea, Arsenal, and PSG star joined Pafos last summer after leaving his hometown club Fortaleza.

The Brazilian defender has played 13 matches for the Cypriot club this season, including five in the Champions League. Pafos, a team founded just 11 years ago, has lost only one match in their debut in Europe's top club competition. They suffered a 1-5 defeat to Bayern but then caused an upset by beating Villarreal 1-0 earlier this month.

In the match at Alphamega Stadium on 26/11, former Arsenal player Folarin Balogun extended Monaco's lead to 2-1 in the 26th minute. Just when Monaco seemed set for victory, Mohammed Salisu scored an own goal in the 88th minute, securing a 2-2 draw for Pafos.

Luiz is renowned for his two stints with Chelsea and was a key player in the squad that won the club's first Champions League title in 2012. He successfully converted a penalty in the shootout to help Chelsea defeat Bayern in the final, played at the opponent's home stadium. Luiz also won the Premier League during his second spell at Chelsea, along with two Europa League titles and three FA Cups (two with Chelsea and one with Arsenal).

With 6 points after five matchdays, Pafos ranks 24th, just below Monaco. If they finish the group stage in the top 24, Luiz and his teammates will secure a spot in the play-off round, hoping to advance to the round of 16.

Vy Anh