PAOK – Hajduk
Europe - UEFA Europa Conference League, Qualification, Qualification round 3
The initial game in Split concluded goalless, prompting the transition to the significant encounter at "Tumba". Hajduk exhibited a slightly better performance, securing two goals (13' by Sigur and 46' by Livia) and creating several promising opportunities (11', 52', 55'). However, PAOK managed to hold their ground, exhibiting their own positive moments as well (a 5' header from Koulierakis and a 14' shot by Cigarette).
The team is presently undergoing an improvement phase, as emphasized by Coach Lucescu. He conveyed during the recent press conference that there exists no anxiety or apprehension among him, his colleagues, or the players. Instead, they hold strong belief in their potential for qualification. This conviction is of paramount importance, as it could significantly influence the club's future transfer strategy. The team's lineup dynamics could potentially undergo a comprehensive transformation based on whether they progress to the competition's group stage. In this context, the names of Maksimović (Getafe) and Marcos Antonio (Lazio) frequently dominate media discourse. Their potential inclusion remains a topic of ongoing discussion.
Looking ahead, the team is set to host Asteras Tripoli in the Super League premiere on Sunday (August 20th).
In terms of match updates: The official transfer of central midfielder Augusto (absent in the first match) to Nantes has been confirmed. He is unhampered by any issues. However, Sastre (A) and Nasberg (A) remain outside the European squad list for various reasons. Lyratzis (A) has joined the squad, while newcomers Ozdoev (M), who debuted in Split, and Samata (E) have participated in more training sessions with the team and are competing for starting positions. It's important to note that there's a risk of disciplinary action, potentially resulting in home punishment - during the play-offs or the subsequent European match - if any player is found to have violated smoking regulations.
In this match, our focus will be on corners, as we anticipate a significant number of shots in the game, mirroring the pattern observed in the first leg.