As anticipation builds for Wednesday evening’s UEFA Europa League clash in Thessaloniki, history delivers a quietly uncomfortable truth for the home faithful: PAOK has never beaten Maccabi Tel Aviv in European competition. For a Greek side of such pedigree, this is more than a statistic—it has become a psychological hurdle that, as of yet, has only seemed to grow in stature with each encounter. Now, with both teams arriving in decent form and star performers ready, Stadio Toumbas stages a matchup as much about exorcising old ghosts as pursuing points.
The Weight of History, the Promise of Change
The head-to-head ledger is brutally clear. Maccabi Tel Aviv hold a perfect record from their short but pointed European rivalry with PAOK, winning both previous meetings and outscoring their Greek opponents 4-0. For PAOK, each loss has brought fresh frustration but also the hope that next time, with the crowd roaring, the outcome might finally turn in their favor.
Yet, that turning point has proved elusive. These were not narrow last-minute heartbreaks, but comfortable Maccabi victories: two clean sheets and four unanswered goals over two fixtures. For the building tension in Thessaloniki, this stings, especially given PAOK’s reputation as tough home competitors.
Recent Form: Road Tests Passed, Home Truths Await
Each side marches into this tie off the back of significant results in the Europa League’s new campaign. Both clubs have navigated the tricky early fixtures with confidence.
- PAOK have shown resilience in the group stage, racking up three wins from their last eight European matches and maintaining a solid home record.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv, though less dominant on paper, have proved dogged—losing only twice across their last eight, conceding fewer goals, and snatching results on the road.
While form can fluctuate week to week, crucially, neither side brings the baggage of a recent heavy defeat into this tie. PAOK’s most recent Europa League encounter showcased renewed attacking fluency and a defense leaning towards reliability—a foundation they hope will finally pay dividends against their Israeli nemesis.
Maccabi’s most recent outing highlighted both grit and tactical flexibility. Well-organized and dangerous on the counter, they secured a result that revealed a team capable of hanging tough and ruthlessly exploiting mistakes. They have not lost on Greek soil in their short European history—surely a confidence boost as they board the plane for Thessaloniki.
Key Players and the Battle for the Spotlight
PAOK: Seeking a New Hero
The historic numbers say PAOK struggles up top against Maccabi, but there is no shortage of attacking potential. Dimitris Salpingidis—the club’s historical Europa League top scorer—remains a talismanic figure for fans, even if new attacking threats have emerged since his peak.
The current campaign has seen players like Luka Ivanušec, Magomed Ozdoev, and Ioannis Konstantelias impress with creative flair and—crucially—discipline, though cards have occasionally become an issue. Ivanušec in particular stands out for his work rate and ability to thread passes through the tightest spaces, while Konstantelias has shown a willingness to drive at defenses and create chances from unlikely situations. The goal-scoring burden, however, will likely fall on Andrija Živković, whose eye for goal has kept PAOK in tight matches all season.
Maccabi Tel Aviv: Experience and Finishing Power
For Maccabi, Eran Zahavi is the beating heart of the attack and the man whom PAOK fears most. The Israeli striker is one of the most decorated and reliable goal-getters in the club’s history—his name already in lights as Maccabi’s top European marksman this term—and boasts a knack for rising to the occasion in big venues.
Support comes from Issouf Sissokho and Kristijan Belic in midfield, who have impressed with both defensive grit and the ability to push forward when needed. The creativity of Osher Davida and clinical finishing from Ion Nicolăescu have added new dimensions to Maccabi’s play, making them less reliant on Zahavi alone.
It is worth noting that while Maccabi’s stars have delivered on the big nights, discipline remains an Achilles heel: Sissokho and Belic lead the team in cautions per 90 minutes, a warning sign in a match that may be decided by fine margins or a single rash challenge.
Statistical Snapshots: Margins That Matter
A look at their Europa League records this season underscores the tightrope nature of this contest:
- Average goals scored per match: PAOK 1.25, Maccabi Tel Aviv 0.88.
- Average goals conceded: Both teams allow roughly 1 to 1.25 per game, reflecting defensive priorities but also vulnerability.
- Clean sheets: Maccabi edges PAOK here, with four to PAOK’s two in recent European play—implying a slight defensive edge.
- Set-piece duels: Free kick and throw-in statistics reveal both teams rely on physicality and tactical set pieces, suggesting restarts could play a decisive role, particularly for a PAOK side eager to impose itself early on home turf.
Tactical Trends: Where Will the Game Turn?
Both squads have shown a capacity for adaptation:
- PAOK are most dangerous when allowed space to build through midfield, seeking quick ball movement and overloading wide areas. If they can draw Maccabi out and find pockets for Konstantelias and Živković, the Greek side’s fortunes may finally shift.
- Maccabi thrive in structured, compact defensive shapes—springing out on transition, with Zahavi as the ever-present threat on the break and Davida prowling for cutbacks.
A pivotal contest may be found in the psychological aspect: PAOK's quest to end their winless run against Maccabi has the makings of a mental block, but it also presents motivation for players to become club legends.
Implications: More at Stake Than Just Points
A victory for PAOK would not simply be three points—it would mark a cathartic release for the Toumba crowd, and could reshape the dynamic of Group X. For Maccabi, an away win would signal not just dominance over PAOK, but a team ready to transition from European regulars to genuine contenders for a deeper run.
With knockout spots at stake, the margin for error is thin. The Greeks will draw on history, heart and home advantage but, if the pattern of prior meetings is any guide, Maccabi’s blend of experience and composure may carry the day.
One thing is certain: when the whistle blows in Thessaloniki, the scars of history and the prospect of rewriting it will hover in the September air. For 90 minutes, Stadio Toumbas will witness a battle far bigger than the scoreline alone can reflect. If PAOK is ever to break this curse, this may be their moment—or else Maccabi will march on, undaunted by Greek ghosts that refuse to be banished.