PAOK drew PEC Zwolle 2-2 in their third friendly encounter on Dutch soil. Despite taking a 2-0 lead, the “Double-Headed Eagle” saw their rivals come up with answers and avoid defeat.

PAOK made an ideal start, taking the lead with just 23 seconds into the game. Diego Biseswar set up a counterattacking move and the ball landed at Karol Świderski’s feet, who evaded the goalkeeper and poked it home.

The Dutch side went for a quick response, but PAOK’s defense were impeccable. Abel Ferreira’s men continued their assault at the other end of the pitch. The “Double-Headed Eagle” netted their second goal in the 31st minute, Léo Jabá stealing the ball and serving it to Świderski for the kill.

Five minutes later, PEC Zwolled reduced distances with a header and the first half ended with PAOK enjoying their 2-1 lead.

After the interval, Ferreira brought on a different line-up. PAOK had some good moments at first, but Zwolle gradually advanced their lines and improved their game in search of an equalizer. Alexandros Paschalakis produced some impressive saves though to keep them at bay. PAOK were reduced to 10 after Pedro Henrique was sent off and Zwolle equalized in the 82nd minute. Shortly before the final whistle, Fernando Varela cleared the ball to keep the rivals from celebrating victory.

The first three friendly encounters of PAOK in the Netherlands served as trials and an opportunity for the new coaching staff to get acquainted with the squad. Abel Ferreira’s players are scheduled to face CFR Cluj on 12 July in Romania. They will return to the Netherlands on 18 July for more friendlies ahead of their first official engagements of the season.

PAOK line-up:

Živković (46′ Paschalakis), Crespo (46′ Varela), Chatziisaias (46′ Ingason), Μihaj (46′ Matos), Giannoulis (46′ Rodrigο), Mišić (46′ Kaçe), Τsiggaras (46′ Douglas), Stoch (46′ Limnios), Biseswar (36′ Lamprou, 62′ Henrique), Jabá (46′ Pelkas ), Świderski (31′ Gaitanidis, 46′ Akpom).