Anderlecht eyes vital edge in Europa League clash at PAOK’s Toumba

LIVE: Anderlecht need a positive result in the third qualifying round of the Europa League to secure a favourable position for the return leg, a result that could keep their European campaign alive. The Greek side PAOK Saloniki host the purple‑white side in the notorious Toumba stadium, a venue that can turn a match into a decisive battle.

The encounter is broadcast live on VTM 2 and VTM GO, giving fans a front‑row seat to the action. Set as your Google‑favoriteKIJK to follow the coverage.

Cvetkovic opened the scoring after only 16 seconds, thrusting Anderlecht into an early lead and forcing PAOK to chase the game from the first whistle.

PAOK answered quickly: Kenny surged down the flank, delivered a cross that Zafeiris met with a header, but the attempt failed to find the net.

Anderlecht generated further chances; Llansana received space but lost control of the ball, and Onia Seke later struck a weak shot that sailed wide.

Cvetkovic threatened a second goal when his header struck the post, only to be denied by a spectacular save from PAOK goalkeeper Pavlenka.

Petrot arrived late and committed a clear error; the VAR reviewed a possible foul on N'Diaye but ruled that PAOK had not earned a penalty.

Coosemans then produced a crucial penalty‑save against Michailidis, yet the VAR intervened again, disallowing the goal because the scorer entered the area too early, leaving the score at 1‑1.

Later, Llansana’s challenge on Konstantelias prompted the referee to point to the spot, but no card was shown after Taison’s subsequent wide effort.

A brief drink‑break was called as the heat rose in Thessaloniki; at that moment Anderlecht were leading 0‑1 and could be satisfied with the advantage they had built.

Coosemans made another vital intervention, diving to deflect a dangerous ball from Konstantelias that had set up Maamar and Llansana, preserving the narrow lead.

Anderlecht launched a swift counter when Sikan fed Cvetkovic forward; the Serbian striker shot wide, possibly from an offside position, but the chance was missed.

Llansana later tackled Taison without receiving a yellow card, while Marco Kana’s loss of possession allowed PAOK a quick transition that ultimately failed to produce a goal.

After Cvetkovic’s opening strike, PAOK responded with a rapid attack; Zafeiris took a shot that clanged off the woodwork, giving Anderlecht a brief reprieve.

The match continues to hinge on small margins, and Anderlecht will aim to protect their early lead while seeking to extend it before the decisive second leg back in Belgium.