After two demanding weeks in Apeldoorn, Holland, PAOK return to Greece, closing out their friendly obligations with a victory, in a game in which the Double-headed Eagle enjoyed lots of possession of the ball, managed the game properly – despite many changes during the 90 minutes – and were rarely threatened by the Belgians.

Razvan Lucescu opted to give some players more playing time this time around, naming Giorgos Koutsias as the starting forward as there was no other striker available, with Nelson Oliveira struggling with a rib injury.

PAOK started by taking control of possession, with Standard pressing well though and not allowing the Double-headed Eagle to execute their build-up play, while they tried to go on the counter-attack. However they came up against a well-organised black and white defense.

From the 20th minute onwards, PAOK picked up the tempo and began to pressurize their opponent even more. After a couple of shots on goal by Douglas and Dantas, PAOK found a breakthrough goal in the 36th minute.

Dantas crossed for Schwab, whose header was only partially cleared by the Standard defence, with the onrushing Koutsias firing the rebound home to make it 1-0 to PAOK.

Lucescu’s side could have then taken a two-goal lead into the break, with Douglas in the 45th minute stealing possession high up the pitch before going head-to-head with the opposition ‘keeper, who was able to deny him.

In the secomd half, PAOK againe made a storng start, despite adding five new faces in the lineup, and they threatened three times in the first five minutes via Dantas, Koutsias and Lyratzis all failing to find the back of the net.

The game did not have many other chances until the final stages, with the defenses of both teams stealing the show somewhat and leaving no room for more goals.

PAOK will now return to their training base in Greece, the players will take two days off and return to training on Wednesday (13.07) in Nea Mesimvria, in order to start their preparations for the first competitive match of the season against Levski Sofias for the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers.

PAOK limeup:

Kotarski (61′ Z.Zivkovic), Lyratzis (61′ Sastre), Ingason (46′ Mihaj), Kargas (46′ Koulierakis), Vieirinha (46′ Rafa Soares), Schwab (46′ Kurtic), Douglas (46′ Tsigaras), Dantas (61′ Filipe Soares), Quagliata (61′ Tsaousis), A.Zivkovic (61′ Konstantelias), Koutsias (61′ Lamprou).