The huge opportunities wasted in front of goal and the tight defensive set up of the rivals led to a goalless draw for PAOK. A draw that keeps their morale low, as they fought hard but couldn’t break the deadlock.

It’s safe to say that the numerous absences led to an emergency line-up especially in defence, with Alexandros Tziolis featuring as centre-back and Eyal Golasa – Ergys Kace in midfield. PAOK started strongly and had a glorious chance to take the lead in the 6th minute through Dimitar Berbatov. Several times though, they found themselves just looking for a decent through-ball outside the box.

With each passing minute, Panetolikos grew more confident they could escape with a draw from Toumba. PAOK would continue wasting chances in the second half. Berbatov, their most creative player, broke free and missed his chance with just Kyriakidis to beat, as did Garry Rodrigues and Dimitris Pelkas in the last minutes.

Panetolikos didn’t convert their chances either in the dying mminutes, when the home side camped around their box. PAOK remained winless for yet another match, frustrating their fans, and the need for an away win at Kalloni has become imperative.

Line-ups:

PΑΟΚ: Glykos, Skondras, Μalezas, Τziolis, Golasa (Jairo 85′), Κace, Κitsiou (Μystakidis 71′), Rodrigues, Αthanasiadis ( Pelkas 54′), Μak, Berbatov

Panetolikos: Kyriakidis, Kevin, Mygas, Paulo, Villafáñez, Kappel, Kousas, Papoutsogiannopoulos (Rusculleda 32′, Corstjens 91′), Makos, Warda, Markovski