The Daily Star Ireland
PAOK Thessaloniki booked their place in the Europa League group stage after a dramatic qualification campaign. The Greek side had to dig deep, overturning a deficit against Rijeka with a commanding 5-0 win in the return leg, following a narrow 1-0 loss. They also edged Wolfsberger after a tense two-legged tie, highlighting their resilience under pressure.
Domestically, PAOK have enjoyed a strong start to their league campaign. With three wins already secured, including a recent success over Panetolikos, Artur Jorge’s men look in good rhythm heading into Europe. The club’s supporters, long known for their passionate backing, will expect the team to carry that momentum into continental competition.
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s European Journey
Reigning Israeli champions Maccabi Tel Aviv fell short in their attempt to reach the Champions League, bowing out in the second qualifying round against Pafos with a 2-1 aggregate defeat. However, they quickly regrouped and made their way through Europa League qualifying, dispatching Maltese side Hamrun Spartans (5-2 on aggregate) before edging Dynamo Kyiv 3-2 across two legs.
Despite failing to advance from the group stage in last year’s edition, Maccabi enter this campaign with renewed belief. They arrive in Thessaloniki in fine domestic form, having won three consecutive league matches and setting their sights on making it four straight victories after their recent clash with Hapoel Jerusalem.
Team News and Key Players
For PAOK, Bulgarian international Kiril Despodov remains sidelined as he continues his recovery, though attacking midfielder Konstantinos Koulierakis—who was instrumental in the qualification rounds with direct involvement in three goals—is expected to return. Dimitrios Pelkas, already with three goals across all competitions, stands out as the hosts’ main offensive weapon. Former Lyon midfielder Yannis Lavrenas, who did not feature during qualifying, is registered for the group stage and could provide valuable depth.
Maccabi Tel Aviv, meanwhile, arrive with a nearly full-strength squad. Only young midfielder Azo (20, yet to feature this season) will be absent. Their captain Eran Zahavi Peretz has been in sparkling form, scoring seven goals across all competitions, including strikes in each of the opening three league matches. Dan Glazer Shahar, with four goals, adds further creativity and attacking thrust, ensuring that Maccabi have multiple threats to test the Greek defense.
Prediction
The numbers suggest a tough night ahead for the visitors. Maccabi Tel Aviv’s recent away form in Europe has been poor, with just one point collected from their last eleven games outside of playoff rounds. In contrast, PAOK have turned their home ground into a fortress, recording nine victories in their last fourteen Europa League fixtures at Toumba Stadium.
Given their strong domestic start, superior home record, and attacking firepower, PAOK look well positioned to start their group stage campaign with a statement win.
Prediction: PAOK 3 – 0 Maccabi Tel Aviv
