This time round, Razvan Lutsescu mixed things up with his starting XI compared to the previous two friendly games against Ashdod and AEL Limassol, but this did not prevent his players from producing good football in both halves of the match and claiming a convincing win.

In the first half, PAOK controlled possession from the start, searched for the goal calmly and methodically, and actually missed a great opportunity to do so initially through Nelson Oliveira, with a defender clearing the ball off the line in the 14th minute. PAOK did finally get themselves in front after 32 minutes. It was  Konstantelias who initially threatened after a counter-attack, and the ball arrived at Murg’s feet. The Austrian passed to Douglas Augusto, and the Brazilian produced a flawless finish to make it 1-0. Brazileiro was unlucky, however, as just a few minutes after scoring the goal, he left the field with an injury and will undergo some examinations on the team’s return to Thessaloniki on Tuesday afternoon (06.12).

In the second half, PAOK were a jot to watch for about half an hour. Lucescu’s players created many chances with some impressive passing and attacking football, worked hard all over the pitch, and scored three more goals.

In the 58th minute, after an excellent team effort, Narey found Brandon in the penalty area, and the Spanish striker made it 2-0. Five minutes later it was Stefan Schwab’s turn to get on the scoresheet. The Austrian scored with an unlikely backheel after Quaglaiata’s shot found it’s way into his path made it 3-0, while in the 76th minute, Vieirinha sent Narey in behind the opposing defense with a slick pass, and the latter rounded the goalkeeper before making it 4-0.

Aris Limassol did manage to muster a consolation goal, reducing the deficit slightly with Stepinsky’s header in the 88th minute to make the final score 4-1.

PAOK lineup:

Kotarski (60 ‘ Z.Zivkovic), Sastre (66′ Selimaj), Ingason (46′ Kargas), Nasberg (46′ Koulierakis), Rafa Soares (46′ Vieirinha), Douglas (40′ Schwab), Murg (46′ El Kaddouri), Ricardo (46′ Narey), Konstantelias (46′ Quagliata), Oliveira (46’ Brandon).