In a competitive match at Tumba, PAOK faced off against Celta de Vigo, ultimately succumbing to a 2-1 defeat. This loss places Celta in a favorable position for the return leg, providing them with the advantage necessary to qualify for the UEFA Europa League Round of 16. The match showcased the caliber of the Spanish side, who demonstrated their attacking prowess from the onset of the game.

Celta struck first just before half-time, with 38-year-old Iago Aspas scoring after a defensive misclearance by PAOK. The build-up involved an assist from Roman, who managed to capitalize on the opportunity created by the PAOK defense's lapse. Shortly thereafter, the Spaniards doubled their lead, with Svendsen finding the net, bringing the score to 2-0 before the break. This rapid succession of goals underscored Celta's dominance and their capacity to exploit defensive weaknesses.

In response, PAOK attempted to rally in the second half, looking for ways to regain momentum in the game. However, the early goals from Celta set a high bar for PAOK, who faced significant pressure in their pursuit of a comeback. The return leg to be played at the Balaídos next Thursday is expected to be a crucial encounter for both teams as they aim to secure a place in the next round of the tournament.