PAOK lay foundations for qualification
Every new beginning is difficult. Especially when it comes to UEFA Champions League qualifiers. PAOK found that out on Wednesday night (24.07) at Toumba Stadium against the Bosnian champions, Borac Banja Luka, edging a narrow contest 3-2 to give them the advantage for qualification to the next round.
In the first half, PAOK took the initiative and attempted to create openings, controlling much of the possession as they tried to prove a way through the visitors packed defence.
And the home side managed to take the lead in the 17th minute. Despodov took a corner and Koulierakis arrived to head home the first goal of the new season with an excellent header. Two minutes later there was a phase of play that we rarely see. Kotarski came out and caught the ball, but the onrushing Koulierakis clattered into him and the ball hit the defender’s hand as he fell, prompting the referee to award a penalty after a VAR review. Herrera was on target from 12 yards in the 22nd minute and made it 1-1.
PAOK seemed a bit shaken by the goal, but quickly found their feet again and managed to take the lead once again. In the 39th minute, Ozdoev fired in a powerful shot. The Bosnian goalkeeper blocked it, but Koulierakis was there to score from the rebound and make it 2-1.
In the 44th minute, Ozdoev missed an incredible opportunity, as he took too long to get in a shot and Karolina blocked his effort. Kulasin then made it 2-2 in hte third minute of added time at the end of the first half after a good team effort from Banja Luka.
The second half started perfectly for PAOK. In the 51st minute, Ekong made it 3-2 with a header from another Despodov corner, once again putting PAOK in the lead. Razvan Lucescu’s men then managed the match well from that point, and also missed two good chances to extend their lead with Taison and Samatta not able to convert. The score remained 3-2 at the final whistle, giving the Double-headed Eagle the advantage ahead of the second leg in seven days in Bosnia.
Team line-ups:
PAOK: Kotarski, Baba, Koulierakis, Ekong, Sastre, Schwab (85′ Tsingaras), Ozdoev (68′ Kamara), Taison, Murg (60′ Konstantelias), Despodov, (68′ A.Zivkovic) Brandon (68′ Samatta).
Borac Banja Luka: Siskowski, Herrera, Karolina, Megers, Kvrzic (72′ Hrelia), Skorups (85′ Vranies), Grachovac, Vukovic (89′ Cavic), Savic, Kulasin, Lukic (89′ Hasovic).
