Anderlecht - PAOK 3-2: Defeat and elimination

PAOK fought in Brussels but lost 3-2 to Anderlecht and bid farewell to the Europa League with two red cards at the end.

In a game full of tension, comebacks, and a dramatic finish at Lotto Park, PAOK lost 3-2 to Anderlecht in the second leg of the 3rd qualifying round of the Europa League. Combined with the 0-1 defeat in the first leg at Toumba, the Double-headed Eagle of the North was eliminated with an aggregate score of 4-2.

First half reaction and Zivkovic's reply

The Belgians started the match stronger and managed to open the scoring in the 20th minute with Leo Petro, after an assist from Julien Biancone. PAOK reacted and found the equalizer in the 34th minute, when Andrija Zivkovic capitalized on Taison's pass and sent the ball into the net for 1-1, a score with which the first half ended.

Belgians' outburst and disallowed goal

The second half started in the worst possible way for the Greek team. In just the 47th minute, Lucas Ambros gave Anderlecht the lead again, while in the 55th minute, Danilo Sikan increased the score to 3-1. PAOK tried to get back into contention for qualification and in the 73rd minute, Mady Camara scored, but the goal was disallowed after VAR use.

Dramatic finish with penalty and two red cards

In the 88th minute, Alexander Jeremejeff reduced the score to 3-2 with a successful penalty kick, adding new interest to the final minutes. However, nervousness at the end cost PAOK dearly: Andrija Zivkovic was sent off with a direct red card in the 89th minute, while in injury time (90'+3'), Jeremejeff also followed the path to the dressing rooms, leaving his team with nine players until the final whistle from referee Simone Sozza.