Pafos missed out on the Champions League knockout play-offs on goal difference despite ending the opening phase with a resounding victory over Slavia Prague.

The Cypriot debutants finished the league phase in 26th on nine points, the same tally as 24th-placed Benfica, who were a goal better off after a dramatic conclusion to their victory over Real Madrid.

Vlad Dragomir opened the scoring for the hosts with a magnificent 25-yard strike from his left foot, finding the top left corner.

Stepan Chaloupek levelled for the visitors before Brazilian duo Bruno Felipe and Anderson Silva scored either side of Jan Boril’s red card for the visitors.

The Czech Republic left-back’s dismissal just three minutes and three seconds after coming off the bench is the fastest red card ever awarded to a substitute in the Champions League.

Mislav Orsic’s late goal ensured Pafos equalled their biggest win in a major European competition, which was also 4-1 against Petrocub-Hincesti in last season’s Uefa Conference League.

The result also means Slavia Prague, who finished 34th out of 36, were one of three teams who failed to record a victory in the league phase of the competition.