PAOK lose the battle, but qualification still in the balance
The first ‘half’ of PAOK’s tie with Celta in the Knockout Play Offs of the UEFA Europa League saw the Spaniards claim a one-goal lead after a 2-1 win at the Toumba Stadium on Thursday (19.02). However, qualification for the Round of 16 of the competition remains open and the Double-headed Eagle can take heart from their second-half performance when they head to Spain to aim to cause an upset.
Razvan Lucescu lined up his team with Tsiftsis, Kenny, Vogliacco, Lovren and Taylor in defense, Kamara, Zafeiris and Ozdoev in midfield and A. Zivkovic, Taison and Jeremejeff in attack.
The some side tried to impose their game in the opening exchanges, keeping the ball and trying to create openings in a patient and methodical fashion, but the Spaniards, on their part, seemed well-read and closed down the corridors towards Radu’s goal, while they tried to strike on the counter-attack and often looked dangerous.
In the 12th minute, Antonis Tsiftsis made a superb double save to deny Svedberg. Three minutes later, Mingetha fired over the PAOK crossbar. There were few chances in the first half. In the 34th minute, the visitors pressed high, stole possession, and a flicked ball over the top reached the on-rushing Aspas who sprinted clear of a flat-footed PAOK defence and slotted home to make it 1-0.
In the 43rd minute, Aspas then turned creator, serveing an assist to Svedberg and he made it 2-0, and PAOK went into the dressing rooms at half-time with plenty of work to do in order to salvage something from the game.
In the second half, PAOK came out in determined mood to get back into the match. Showing better energy levels and confidence, they fought hard and put pressure on Celta, having control of the possession.
In the 64th minute, Jeremejeff latched on to a cross with a header in the six-yard box, but Radu managed to block his effort. In the 76th minute, Celta scored another goal, but it was ruled out for offside after a VAR review, and a minute later PAOK were back in the game.
After an excellent defence-splitting, lofted pass from Zivkovic, Jeremejeff volleyed the ball at full stretch on the move over the dive of Radu, who got a hand to the ball but could not keep it out, to make it 2-1.
PAOK pressed until the end for the equalizer, A. Zivkovic having a good chance with a shot, but his effort flashed wide, hitting the side netting and the scoreremained unchanged until the final whistle.
The two teams will renew hostilities next Thursday in Vigo, where everything will be decided.
Team lineups:
PAOK: Tsiftsis, Kenny, Vogliacco (67′ Michailidis), Lovren, Taylor (67′ Baba), Kamara (67′ Hatsidis), Ozdoev, A. Zivkovic, Taison, Zafieris, Jeremejeff.
Celta: Radu, Rodriguez, Alonso, Starfelt, Carreira, Moriba, Roman (86′ Vecino), Mingueza (61′ Rueda), Svedberg (65′ Lopes), Iglesias (61′ Jutgla), Aspas (65′ Alvarez).
