PAOK could have very well won the match, as they didn’t get really threatened despite giving space to the German side. The final 1-1 draw leaves the group wide open, promising some interesting upcoming matches.

PAOK worked more than they are used to without the ball. They proved they can manage this style of play as well. But they also went forward, kept possession and looked for vertical passes towards their attacking duo Róbert Mak and Dimitar Berbatov. The Bulgarian star would hold on to the ball to provide calmness to the team and stamp his quality with his passing, as did Alexandros Tziolis. The back three, with splendid Giorgos Tzavellas holding the fort, would close spaces behind to keep the Germans at bay, while Dimitris Konstantinidis charged forward several times looking to win metres from his side. PAOK were patiently weaving their way towards a chance to break the deadlock.

This chance came in the form of a spectacular cross by Tziolis towards Mak, who advanced and “executed” Roman Weidenfeller after 34 minutes. The party at packed Toumba had just started…

The complexion of the encounter didn’t alter after the interval. The Germans kept the ball, but failed to make substance out of it, as PAOK’s defence were marshalling all spaces. However Dortmund managed to equalize in the 72nd minute, with a goal practically out of nowhere. Gonzalo Castro was aiming to bring the ball in the box, but Robin Olsen was chasing after Hofmann who was moving dangerously before him and failed to stop the ball from landing at the back of his net.

PAOK have now 2 points in the group and keep their luck in their hands, while the German outfit lead standings with 4 points.

Line-ups:

PΑΟΚ: Olsen, Vítor, Costa, Tzavellas, Sabo, Tziolis, Kace (85′ Charisis), Konstantinidis , Rodrigues, Mak (73′ Jairo), Berbatov (89′ Pelkas ).

Borussia Dortmund: Weidenfeller, Piszczek, Subotić, Weigl (66′ Schmelzer), Bender, Hofmann, Januzaj (84′ Leitner), Castro, Mkhitaryan (66′ Ramos), Reus.