After watching Saturday’s (15.07) training friendly against Al-Taawoon, coach Razvan Lucescu had the opportunity to give more playing time to many of his players against Westerlo, trying out a few different players in various roles over the 90 minutes.

PAOK started the game well and went in front after just five minutes through Narey. The German applied a clinical finish after a good Rafa Soares cross from the left. The home team found a response and quickly turned the tables. In the 14th minute, Matsuo made it 1-1 and a minute later Yeo put his team ahead.

The fast tempo of the game continued with PAOK also responding immediately, Brandon converting an assist from Narey to make it 2-2 in only the 17th minute. The Double-headed Eagle then had two good moments with P.Tzimas and Konstantelias unable to score from one-on-one situations. Schwab then attempted an impressive scissor kick but did not find the net, while the Belgians had a shot off the post from a corner and Kotarski denied Matsuo when the latter was clean through on goal.

The two teams came out in the second half and showed better organisation in defensive areas, and as a result there were fewer attempts on goal. PAOK were enjoying the control of the game and possession, but Westerlo managed to find a third goal via Datsi in the 65th mninute to chalk up the win.

PAOK lineup: Kotarski, Kedziora (Lyratzis 63′), Ekong, Michailidis, Rafa Soares (Vieirinha 74′), Tsingaras, Schwab, Narey (Andre Ricardo 63′) P.Tzimas (Kanis 63′), Konstantelias, Brandon (Gordeziani 76′).