The two teams started the match full of energy and willingness to press and put in a lot of running. PAOK threatened first with Samatta getting a head onto Taison’s cross, but his effort did not find the target.

On the other hand, the hosts took the lead with their first attack. Vetlesen made it 1-0 with a placed effort in the sixth minute, as he took advantage of some hesitance in the black and white defensive line.

PAOK tried to react, but the Belgians sought to keep the ball and impose their game, and result was that the two teams nullified other’s threat. Apart from a good shot by Taison, chances were at a premium for both teams.

PAOK looked to get back on level terms in the second half and they created some good opportnities to get in behind the home defence, but some poor decision-making in the final third meant that they failed to create a serious goal threat.

On the other hand, Club Brugge had two great moments to score and extend their advantage, but both times they were thwarted by the excellent Dominik Kotarski . The Croatian saved Jutgla’s shot in the 58th minute, while in the 76th minute he gave away a penalty after bringing down Onyedika in the box, but he redeemed himself by saving Thiago’s spot-kick with his legs.

The final whistle found Club Brugge securing a 1-0 win to protect in the second leg, with PAOK ready to prepare for next Thursday and pull off another upset and qualify in front of a packed Toumba Stadium.

Team lineups:

Club Brugge: Jackers, Skoras, Jutgla (Nusa 72′), Vetlesen (Balanta 72′), Onyedika, Vanaken, Mechele, De Kuyper, Spileers (Ordoneth 55′), Sabbe, Thiago.

PAOK: Kotarski, Vieirinha (Otto 82′), Kedziora, Koulierakis, Baba, Meite, Ozdoev (Schwab 72′), A.Zivkovic, Konstantelias (Despodov 62′), Taison, Samatta (Brandon 72′).