Anderlecht come into this third qualifying round tie unbeaten in three matches, combining a compact defensive record with clinical finishing, and their shot-count dominance despite ceding possession is a curious tactical signature. PAOK own the ball far more and have started the…
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Sign inAnderlecht welcome PAOK to their Lotto Park home in Brussels on Wednesday, August 13, carrying a 1-0 aggregate lead from the first leg of this UEFA Europa League third qualifying round tie. Mihajlo Cvetković’s early strike in Greece has left the Belgian side in control, but PAOK arrive needing a comeback to salvage their European campaign.
PAOK manager Răzvan Lucescu has two significant injury doubts for the trip. Winger Taha Ali is nursing a shoulder problem, while former Manchester United prospect Shola Shoretire has a knee issue. Should Ali miss out, experienced Brazilian forward Taison is expected to start on the left flank, supporting either Anestis Mythou or Alex Jeremejeff in attack. Captain Andrija Živković will lead the line from the right, with Giannis Konstantelias in an advanced midfield role.
Anderlecht boss Vítor Bruno is still integrating four summer arrivals – Lukas Ambros, Leo Petrot, Joshua Nga Kana and Giulian Biancone – all of whom featured in the previous qualifying round. Defender Killian Sardella and midfielder Mario Stroeykens are both minor doubts, but Canada international Nathan Saliba is available again after serving a one-match suspension and could return in midfield. Striker Danylo Sikan is expected to lead the line, with Cvetković pushing for another start after his match-winning goal against Hammarby in the second round.
Anderlecht silenced the Toumba Stadium inside the opening minute last week, when Enzo Llansana released Cvetković for a close-range finish that immediately put PAOK on the back foot. Despite conceding 65 percent of possession and winning only 34 of 86 duels, Anderlecht managed two big chances to PAOK’s none and held on for a result that now hands them a clear second-leg advantage.
Bruno’s side are expected to set up with a similar compact shape, looking to frustrate a PAOK attack that lacked a cutting edge in the first meeting. Saliba’s return adds steel in midfield, while the backline anchored by Petrot and Biancone will need to withstand sustained early pressure. Any goal for the hosts would leave PAOK needing three, so Anderlecht may look to hit on the counter rather than sit entirely deep.
For PAOK, the equation is straightforward: score at least once to have any hope of progressing. A 1-0 win would force extra time, while a two-goal victory would send them through. The Greek side dominated the ball and territory in the first leg but were officially credited with no big chances, a statistic they cannot afford to repeat.
Živković, who has 23 UEFA competition goals, remains their most potent threat, while Konstantelias’s creativity in the final third will be crucial. Left-back Jonathan Gomez got into threatening positions in the first leg, and substitutes Greg Taylor and Baba Rahman added further attempts as the game wore on. Lucescu’s men must find a way to translate possession into genuine chances if they are to overturn the deficit.
Anderlecht left-back Ludwig Augustinsson is likely to face a direct duel with PAOK captain Živković, the visitors’ most dangerous wide forward. Živković’s ability to cut inside and shoot or deliver crosses makes him a constant threat, while Augustinsson will need support from the midfield to stop the supply line before it reaches the penalty area. The outcome of this flank contest could define whether PAOK can break down a defence that held firm in Thessaloniki.
Anderlecht know that a place in the Europa League play-off round awaits the winner, while defeat would drop PAOK into the Conference League qualification path. With their campaign hanging in the balance, the Greek side must produce a far more ruthless performance than they managed a week ago if they are to extend their European journey.
Anderlecht
Coach: Vitor Bruno
PAOK
Coach: Alessio Lisci
