Despite three significant absences in their attacking line (Gargalatzidis and Panidis who remained in Greece and Tzovaras who was an unused sub in Belarus), PAOK were excellent upfront. They created many opportunities to score and could have recorded a much larger victory.

They dominated proceedings in the first half and came close to the opener on several occasions with Doumtsis, Gaitanidis, Lyratzis andn Chatzistravos. However it was Minsk who had the biggest opportunity to get on the scoreboard, against the run of play.

The referee awarded a rigorous penalty to the home side, but Sazonchik was denied by the woodwork. This play though served as a wake-up call for Pablo García’s troops who squandered two gilt-edged opportunities. Tsiggaras drew a block from Prishivalko and Pournaras couldn’t make the most of the rebound.

After the interval, PAOK remained in full control. The “Double-Headed Eagle” played quality football, had possession and patient passing and were rewarded for it at the stroke of the hour, with a goal by Gaitanidis following a free-kick by Chatzistravos. Despite several wasted chances created by PAOK, they couldn’t score more goals, but did celebrate a deserved qualification.

The U19 side of the PAOK are now waiting for the UEFA Europa League draw on 17 December. Their rival in the play-offs will be one of the eight second-placed teams of the competition’s group stage.

PAOK U19: Papadopoulos, Lyratzis, Τsaousis, Μichailidis, Diamantis, Τsiggaras, Salamouras, Chatzistravos, Pournaras (75’ Maniotis), Gaitanidis (85’ Xifilinos), Doumtsis