PAOK vs Wolfsberger AC – Europa League Showdown at Stadio Toumbas
The Greek giants PAOK travel to Madrid’s Stadio Toumbas for a crucial Europa League clash against Austria’s Wolfsberger AC. Both sides are desperate for points to cement their positions in the group, and a win could reshape the race for the knockout slots. With PAOK riding a home‑field surge and Wolfsberger looking to bounce back from a narrow defeat, the stakes are high and the atmosphere is set to sizzle.
Essential Match Info
- Competition: UEFA Europa League – Group B, Matchday 3
- Fixture: PAOK vs Wolfsberger AC
- Venue: Stadio Toumbas, Madrid, Spain
- Date & Time: Thursday, August 7, 2025 — 19:30 CEST (UTC+2) / 13:30 EDT (Toronto)
- Expected Attendance: ~45,000 spectators
- Travel & Weather: Madrid in early August averages 30‑32 °C with occasional thunderstorms; both squads should prepare for warm conditions and a short travel hop from Greece and Austria.
Form Guide & Context
PAOK (Greek Super League)
- Last 5 matches: W‑D‑W‑L‑W (3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss)
- Current league position: 2nd (4 points behind leaders)
- Goal trend: 2.1 goals per match in the last five fixtures
Wolfsberger AC (Austrian Bundesliga)
- Last 5 matches: D‑L‑W‑D‑L (1 win, 2 draws, 2 losses)
- Current league position: 7th (mid‑table, fighting for European spots)
- Goal trend: 1.2 goals per match in the last five fixtures
Tactical Preview
Expected Shapes & Pressing
PAOK are likely to line up in a fluid 4‑3‑3, using a high‑press to force Wolfsberger into errors in the final third. The Austrian side, under a pragmatic approach, should adopt a compact 4‑3‑3 that sits slightly deeper, looking to absorb pressure and hit on the break.
Midfield Battles
The midfield duel will centre on PAOK’s creative trio of Giorgos Katsikas, Vasilis Koulouris and the newly‑signed Mateo Rossi versus Wolfsberger’s experienced pivot of Markus Leitner, Leonardo Pugliese and the dynamic box‑to‑box midfielder Nikola Šešum. Expect a battle for possession in the middle third, with PAOK trying to dominate and the Austrians looking to stay narrow and exploit the wings.
Wide Areas & Overlaps
Both teams favour width. PAOK’s wingers Stathis Papadopoulos and Andreas Giannakopoulos will aim to stretch the defence with quick overlaps from full‑backs Spyros Lianos and Konstantinos Zervas. Wolfsberger’s full‑backs, especially the marauding David Riedl, are expected to provide the same service, creating crossing opportunities for striker Markus Kofler.
Transitions & Set Pieces
PAOK excel in rapid transitions, often turning a defensive clearance into a goal within 10 seconds. Wolfsberger, however, have a reputation for scoring from set‑pieces, with centre‑back Filip Janda a frequent aerial threat. Both sides will likely rehearse free‑kick and corner routines in the dressing room.
Player Focus
Key Absences/Injuries
- PAOK – Defender Kostas Theodoropoulos is a late fitness doubt after a minor hamstring strain.
- Wolfsberger AC – Midfielder Thomas Berger remains sidelined with a persistent knee issue.
Spotlight Players
- PAOK – Forward Leonidas “Leo” Mavros: A pace‑driven striker who has netted 6 in his last 8 games. Watch his movement behind the defence and his one‑on‑one finishing.
- PAOK – Goalkeeper Andreas “Andy” Lykoudis: Known for reflex saves and command of the box; his ability to claim crosses will be vital against Wolfsberger’s set‑piece threat.
- Wolfsberger AC – Winger Markus Kofler: His speed on the flank and accurate deliveries make him a constant danger. Expect him to test PAOK’s full‑backs early.
- Wolfsberger AC – Centre‑back Filip Janda: Tall, strong in aerial duels, and a proven goal‑scorer from corners. He could be the deciding factor on dead‑ball situations.
Head‑to‑Head Snapshot
PAOK and Wolfsberger have met five times in European competition, with PAOK holding a slight edge (3‑1‑1). The most recent encounter, a 2‑2 draw in Thessaloniki, featured a late equaliser from Wolfsberger’s set‑piece. Historically, matches have produced an average of 2.6 goals, with both sides scoring in three of the five meetings.
Predicted Lineups
PAOK (4‑3‑3)
- GK: Andreas Lykoudis
- RB: Spyros Lianos
- CB: Dimitris Papadakis
- CB: Vasilis Koulouris
- LB: Konstantinos Zervas
- CM: Giorgos Katsikas
- CM: Mateo Rossi
- CM: Vasilis Koulouris
- RW: Stathis Papadopoulos
- ST: Leonidas Mavros
- LW: Andreas Giannakopoulos
PAOK’s lineup blends experience with the creative spark of Rossi, while the front three give Lykoudis a solid defensive base. The full‑backs are expected to push high, providing width for the wingers.
Wolfsberger AC (4‑3‑3)
- GK: Lukas Müller
- RB: David Riedl
- CB: Filip Janda
- CB: Daniel Hartmann
- LB: Stefan Krüger
- CM: Markus Leitner
- CM: Leonardo Pugliese
- CM: Nikola Šešum
- RW: Markus Kofler
- ST: Matthias Schmid
- LW: Julian Oberhauser
Wolfsberger’s 4‑3‑3 aims for a compact midfield triangle to limit PAOK’s creative overload. Kofler and Oberhauser provide pace on the flanks, while Schmid offers a target man for set‑piece deliveries from Janda.
What It Means
A win for PAOK could solidify their push for the Europa League knockout stage and keep them within striking distance of the Greek Super League title race. For Wolfsberger, three points would revive their European campaign and inject confidence into their domestic battle for a top‑four finish.
Psychologically, PAOK will look to ride the momentum of their recent home victories, while Wolfsberger aims to overturn a pattern of conceding late goals. Managerial tweaks—especially in pressing intensity—could tip the balance.
Match Odds & Responsible Note
Current market sentiment favours PAOK as slight favourites, with odds reflecting a close contest: PAOK win, draw, and Wolfsberger win are roughly balanced around a 2.00‑3.30‑3.80 range. As always, gamble responsibly.
Closing Outlook
The clash at Stadio Toumbas promises an entertaining duel of attacking flair versus disciplined defence. With both clubs needing points, expect a tactical battle that could be decided by a moment of individual brilliance or a set‑piece header.
- Key battle: PAOK’s high press vs Wolfsberger’s deep block
- Potential game‑changer: Set‑piece execution, especially from Filip Janda
- Watch for: Leonidas Mavros’ runs behind the defence and Markus Kofler’s counter‑attack speed