PAOK vs Malmo: Champions League Third Qualifying Round Preview

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Date: August 13, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM (UK)
Venue: Toumba Stadium, Thessaloniki

As the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League reaches its climax, PAOK faces Malmo in a decisive second leg that promises high stakes and thrilling football. The tie is delicately poised after a 2-2 draw in the first leg, and the outcome of this fixture will determine who advances to the playoff stage of the prestigious tournament.

Match Preview

PAOK, the reigning Greek Super League champions, will look to leverage their home advantage at the Toumba Stadium. The first leg at Eleda Stadion saw Malmo take the lead twice, only for PAOK to respond each time. Taison and Abdul Baba Rahman were the heroes for the Greek side, scoring the crucial goals to secure a draw.

Coach Razvan Lucescu’s men have shown resilience and attacking prowess throughout the qualifiers. They previously dispatched Borac Banja Luka with a 4-2 aggregate score and have their eyes set on making it to the Champions League group stage for the first time. PAOK’s European journey last season saw them reach the quarter-finals of the Conference League, where they were eliminated by Club Brugge.

Malmo, the 23-time Swedish champions, are seeking to return to the Champions League group stage for the first time since the 2021-22 season. Despite their historical success, including a memorable run to the final in 1979, they were knocked out in the second qualifying round last season. However, the Sky Blues are currently leading the Allsvenskan and will be buoyed by their recent 1-0 victory over Halmstad.

Team News

PAOK

• Key Player: Konstantinos Koulierakis, who has been a standout in defense and has added two goals this season.
• Injury Update: No major injuries reported. Expected to field a similar lineup to the first leg with Taison and Brandon Thomas leading the attack.
• Possible Lineup: Kotarski; Sastre, Kedziora, Koulierakis, Baba; Ozdoev, Schwab; Zivkovic, Konstantelias, Taison; Thomas

Malmo

• Key Player: Isaac Kiese Thelin, who has been in prolific form with 16 goals across all competitions.
• Injury Update: Sebastian Nanasi, Niklas Moisander, Anton Tinnerholm, and Stefano Vecchia are sidelined.
• Possible Lineup: Dahlin; Larsen, Jansson, Zatterstrom, Busanello; Bolin, Pena, Johnsen, Nanasi; Botheim, Thelin

Tactical Analysis

PAOK will need to capitalize on their home advantage and maintain a tight defense to neutralize Malmo’s attacking threats. The Swedish side, with their potent attacking duo of Thelin and Botheim, will aim to exploit any defensive lapses. Malmo’s experience in European competitions could play a crucial role in this tightly contested match.

Prediction

With both teams evenly matched and the first leg showing their attacking capabilities, this match is expected to be closely contested. Given Malmo's attacking strength and their ability to score away from home, they might edge out PAOK with a narrow win.

Our Prediction: PAOK 1-2 Malmo (Malmo win 4-3 on aggregate)

This clash is likely to be a thrilling encounter, and while PAOK's home advantage could play a significant role, Malmo's experience and attacking prowess could secure their place in the playoff stage.