PAOK Vs Plzen

In the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League, two teams seeking their first victories face off this Thursday as Greek side PAOK hosts Viktoria Plzen at the iconic Stadio Toumbas. While the Czech outfit has managed to accumulate just two points from their opening two fixtures in the competition, PAOK has yet to claim any points in what has been a difficult start to their European campaign.

Match Preview: Struggles and Potential for Both Teams

PAOK, under the stewardship of Romanian manager Razvan Lucescu, has found itself in the unfortunate position of being one of only six teams in the newly-expanded 36-team Europa League that have lost both of their opening two matches. Their group-stage journey began with a 3-1 defeat to Turkish giants Galatasaray. This was followed by a disheartening 1-0 home loss to 10-man FCSB three weeks ago. Despite playing against a team reduced to 10 players, PAOK could not capitalize and ultimately succumbed to defeat in front of their own fans.

However, domestically, PAOK has shown a much more formidable side. As the reigning champions of the Greek Super League, they have displayed impressive form, sitting joint-top of the league table with 17 points from their first eight games. This stellar start to their domestic campaign includes scoring a league-high 14 goals, showcasing their attacking prowess. Razvan Lucescu's side seems to have found the right balance in Greece, but translating that form to European competition has proven elusive.

Last weekend, PAOK were held to a 1-1 draw by AEK Athens in a tightly contested match. Left-back Baba Rahman, on loan from Chelsea, gave PAOK an early lead with a well-taken goal, but AEK's Frantzdy Pierrot equalized before the half-hour mark. Neither team was able to find the breakthrough in the second half, resulting in a shared point. The match exemplified PAOK’s defensive solidity but also highlighted their occasional struggles to break down stubborn defenses.

PAOK's Europa League campaign this season marks their return to the competition after a four-year absence. Last season, they reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Conference League, a commendable achievement, but their current form in Europe's secondary competition leaves much to be desired. The White-Blacks have managed just one win in their last 12 Europa League outings, with a record of three draws and eight losses. This poor run has put significant pressure on Lucescu's men to turn things around quickly.

Despite their recent struggles in Europe, PAOK can take some comfort from their home form in the Europa League. They have lost just one of their last six home games in the competition, a streak that includes their recent narrow defeat to FCSB. Historically, PAOK has also enjoyed success against Czech opposition, winning all three of their previous home encounters. This positive record against teams from the Czech Republic bodes well as they prepare to host Viktoria Plzen.

Viktoria Plzen's Return to European Football

On the other side of the pitch, Viktoria Plzen enters this match still looking for their first win in this season's Europa League. For the first time since the 2017-18 season, Plzen is competing in the group stage of the Europa League proper. While they are yet to secure a victory, the Czech side has shown they are no pushovers.

Their group-stage campaign kicked off with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt, the 2021-22 Europa League champions. In that match, Plzen displayed remarkable resilience, scoring two goals in the final four minutes to rescue a point in what was one of the most dramatic matches of the opening round. Miroslav Koubek's side followed that up with a goalless draw against Ludogorets, the reigning Bulgarian champions, three weeks later. Although they failed to score, Plzen's defensive performance was commendable as they held firm to keep a clean sheet.

Domestically, Viktoria Plzen has been in excellent form. They currently sit third in the Czech First League, having amassed 24 points from their opening 11 matches. Last weekend, they recorded a 3-1 victory away from home against Banik Ostrava, continuing their strong start to the season. Plzen has been a tough team to beat across all competitions, losing just one of their 17 competitive matches so far this term.

What makes Plzen’s European form particularly impressive is their unbeaten run in 90 minutes in their last 22 matches across all European competitions, including the qualifiers. This remarkable record, which includes 15 wins and seven draws, highlights their consistency on the continental stage. However, their form away from home in the Europa League has been less inspiring. Plzen has won just three of their last 18 Europa League away matches, a record they will need to improve if they hope to secure all three points in Greece.

Thursday's game will mark the first-ever meeting between PAOK and Viktoria Plzen. While Plzen has limited experience against Greek opposition, they did face Olympiacos in the 2019-20 Champions League qualifying rounds. After a goalless draw in the first leg at home, they suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat in the return fixture in Greece. That experience will undoubtedly serve as motivation for the Czech side to put on a stronger showing this time around.

Key Players to Watch

For PAOK, the attacking burden will likely fall on the shoulders of Brazilian forward Felipe Soares and Serbian striker Andrija Zivkovic. Both players have been in fine form domestically and will be looking to make an impact on the European stage. Felipe Soares, known for his pace and dribbling ability, will aim to exploit Plzen’s defense, while Zivkovic’s sharp finishing could prove crucial in a match that is expected to be tightly contested.

On the defensive end, Baba Rahman, who has enjoyed a resurgence since his move to Greece, will be key to keeping Plzen’s dangerous attackers at bay. Rahman’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, as seen in his goal against AEK Athens, makes him a pivotal figure in Lucescu’s tactical setup.

For Viktoria Plzen, all eyes will be on striker Tomas Chory, who has been one of the standout performers in the Czech First League this season. Chory’s physical presence and aerial ability could pose a significant threat to PAOK’s defense, especially from set-pieces. In midfield, Pavel Sulc will look to pull the strings, with his vision and passing range crucial to unlocking PAOK’s backline.

Goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek will also be a player to watch, having played a key role in Plzen’s unbeaten run in European competitions. Stanek’s shot-stopping ability has been critical to his team’s defensive solidity, and he will need to be at his best to keep PAOK’s attackers at bay.

Tactical Outlook

PAOK is expected to adopt an attacking approach, especially playing in front of their home crowd. Lucescu will likely set his team up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Felipe Soares and Zivkovic leading the charge. The full-backs, including Rahman, will be tasked with providing width, while the midfield trio will be responsible for maintaining control of the game and creating chances.

Plzen, on the other hand, may take a more cautious approach, knowing that a draw would still keep them in contention for the knockout stages. Koubek is likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Chory leading the line. The midfield will play a crucial role in breaking up PAOK’s attacks and launching counter-attacks, while the defense will aim to keep things tight at the back.

Predictions and Expectations

With both teams desperate for a win, Thursday’s encounter promises to be a fascinating contest. PAOK will have the advantage of playing at home, but their recent European struggles will weigh heavily on their shoulders. Viktoria Plzen, despite their inconsistent away form in the Europa League, will take confidence from their unbeaten run in Europe and their ability to grind out results.

A close match is expected, with both sides likely to have their moments. However, PAOK’s need for a win, combined with their strong home record against Czech teams, could give them the edge. That said, Plzen’s resilience and ability to snatch results in tough situations should not be underestimated.

In what could be a pivotal match in Group C, PAOK may just edge out a narrow victory, but Plzen will certainly make life difficult for the Greek champions. Expect a tense, tactical battle where the smallest of margins could make all the difference.