"With the first leg taking place in Thessaloniki, PAOK will recognise the importance of establishing control before next week's return fixture. Razvan Lucescu's team arrive on the back of a goalless draw with AEK Athens-a result that extended their unbeaten run but also underlined a slight dip in attacking sharpness. PAOK have nonetheless demonstrated resilience in recent weeks. Three wins and two draws from their last five matches across all competitions reflect a team capable of grinding out results."
"Finishing 17th may not fully reflect their quality-particularly at home. The Toumba Stadium has been a genuine stronghold, with PAOK collecting eight points from a possible 12 in front of their supporters. They have scored in eight of their last nine home fixtures and kept four clean sheets in their previous six at home, highlighting a healthy balance of defensive discipline and attacking threat."
PAOK host Celta Vigo in the Europa League playoff first leg in Thessaloniki with a place in the round of 16 at stake. The teams finished the league phase separated by a single point, making the tie finely balanced. PAOK arrive unbeaten in recent domestic action but with a slight dip in attacking sharpness and inconsistent European form (three wins, three draws, two defeats). Toumba Stadium has been a stronghold, with goals in eight of nine home fixtures and four clean sheets in six. PAOK have scored 17 and conceded 14 in eight Europa League matches and face suspensions to key players.
Read at Soccer News
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