Abel Ferreira selected the same starting XI with that from the previous match against ΑΕΚ στο ΟΑΚΑ, with the exception of the returning Matos, who reclaimed his place after serving a one-match suspension to replace Rodrigo.

The Double-headed Eagle of the North started the match strongly and was in control for virtually all of the opening 45 minutes, during which the visitors created numerous chances to score. PAOK looked to threaten mainly down the flanks, while Misicput in another good display as the playmaker.

PAOK went in front after 33 minutes when Matos found Swiderski in the penalty area. The Polish striker skipped past his marker before producing a clinical finish.

After half-time, Ferreira’s team made an ideal start to the second half. Giannoulis, Swiderski and El Kaddouri combined brilliantly, with the Moroccan midfielder’s cross then being turned past his own goalkeeper accidentally by Martinez in the 48th minute.

PAOK dropped the tempo of its game for a short spell after that, and this allowed the home side to reduce the deficit in the 58th minute through Suarez’s header.

From then on the hosts pressed as much as they could but PAOK managed to weather the storm quite comfortably, taking no risks and locking up their defensive line to keep the score at 2-1 and come away from Tripoli with the three points.

It was a victory which was rightly dedicated to the memory of the six fans who lost their lives in the Tembi Valley 20 years ago.

Team lineups:

Asteras Tripolis: Papadopoulos, Suarez, Valiente, Matricardi, (89′ Fernandez), Ortega, Capilla, Mounafo (76′ Jauregi), Riera (82′ Sito), Vlachos, Fernandez, Barrales

PAOK: Zivkovic, Matos, Varela, Crespo, Giannoulis, Misic, Douglas, Limnios, El Kaddouri (76′ Pelkas ), Biseswar (67′ Mauricio), Swiderski (76′ Akpom)