PAOK’s defensive weaknesses cost them dearly, as they suffered their second loss to Anderlecht and were eliminated from the Europa League in the third qualifying round. Following the 0-1 loss at Toumba, the “Double-Headed Eagle of the North” fell 3-2 in Brussels and will now have to continue its European campaign in the Conference League.
In the playoffs of Europe’s third-tier competition, Alessio Lisi’s team will face the Norwegian side Brann, with the first leg taking place on August 20 at Toumba and the second leg a week later (August 27) at the Norwegians’ home stadium.
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Qualification will secure PAOK a spot in the Conference League’s League Phase, while elimination will leave them out of European competition for this season.
Anderlecht came out stronger in the match and capitalized on PAOK’s defensive lapses, taking the lead through Leo Petro in the 19th minute. PAOK managed to respond and tie the game with a goal by Andrija Živković in the 34th minute, reigniting the excitement of the match.
However, the second half turned into a nightmare for the “Black-and-Whites.” By the 55th minute, Lucas Ambrose and Danilo Sikan found the back of the net twice, pushing the score to 3-1 and essentially sealing the Belgians’ advancement. Although Alexander Yeremeyev pulled one back in the 88th minute on a penalty earned by Aritz Elustondo, it was already too late.
It’s worth noting that Zivkovic and Yeremeyev were both sent off with straight red cards in the closing minutes and will definitely miss PAOK’s next match. For the Serbian captain, there is a possibility of a harsher punishment.
*photo source: KYPE
