paokfc.gr/First Team/PAOK give everything but lose in the details
PAOK give everything but lose in the details
After a sensational tussle against an excellent opponent, PAOK left Istanbul empty-handed as they were beaten 3-1 by Galatasaray in the 2024-25 Europa League, League Phase opener. However, the black and whites left with their heads held high as they produced a battling display before losing out in the fine details.
With a clear plan, composure and a glint in their eye, PAOK walked out at the Ali Sami Yen with the aim of victory and this was evident throughout the 90 minutes.
The home team came on strong, but PAOK were determined and quickly managed to balance put the game and became dangerous on many occasions. In only the seventh minute, the visitors already had two good moments with Konstantelias and Andrija Zivkovic unable to find the net.
Kotarski was there when needed between the posts saving efforts from Sara and Osimen, while Akgun also missed from a good position in the 42nd minute.
The big moment of the first half, however, came at the end and it was for PAOK. Konstantelias was sent through one-on-one, but the Galatasaray ‘keeper denied the PAOK man and the 0-0 scoreline remained intact.
The start of the second half was not ideal for Razvan Lucescu’s team. The hosts, after a corner in the 48th minute, saw Osimen get on the end of a cross with a header, and although Baba reached to block it he could only direct it into Kotarski’s net.
PAOK did not give up though. In the 63rd minute, Konstantelias instigated a counter-attack, but he failed to find both Chalov and A.Zivkovic who had made forward runs into space. In the next minute, Kotarski made an impressive save from Osimen, and in the 67th minute, PAOK found the equalizer.
Zile released Otto down the right with an excellent ball, and the Spaniard sent over a cross. Gunay blocked the cross, but the ball fell to Konstantelias and he made it 1-1 from close range.
PAOK then continued to produce some good football after the goal, but a moment of inertia was enough to put Galatasaray back in front. In the 76th minute, after a sustained spell of pressure, Akgun made it 2-1 with a powerful shot. PAOK came back at the home side, battled and tried everything to look for the equalizing goal, but they failed to get it and right at the end of the game, Icardi came off the bench and grabbed another goal for the home team.
Team lineups:
Galatasaray: Gunay, Ayhan (Jelert 84′), Sanchez, Bardakci, Jakobs, Torreira, Sara, Yilmaz (Batshuayi 88′), Mertens (Demirbay 78′), Akgun (Kutlu 88′), Osimen (Icardi 78′).
PAOK: Kotarski, Otto, Kedziora, Colley, Baba, Kamara (Bakayoko 81′), Ozdoev (Schwab 76′), A.Zivkovic, Konstantelias (Despodov 76′), Taison, Chalov (Tissoudali 70′).
