Many things changed since early December. Since then, PAOK have built an impressive undefeated streak, combining attractive football and effectiveness, have the upper hand in their Greek Cup quarter-final tie and covered enough ground in the Super League.

What remains unchanged is the euphoria ahead of a big European match, such as Thursday’s encounter against FC Schalke 04, one of the 20 wealthiest football clubs in the world. The German side have qualified in the knockout stage of a UEFA competition for the seventh consecutive time. In their last six games against Greek sides, they have recorded five wins and one draw, a 1-1 against PAOK in Gelsenkirchen, in August 2013.

Vladan Ivić and his players have proved that, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. PAOK return to the UEFA Europa League and declare themselves ready to fight for qualification. Starting with the Toumba encounter.