PAOK fights back to beat Dynamo Kyiv 3-2 in Lublin, Konstantelias stars with goal and two assists

PAOK launched its European campaign under new head coach Alessio Lisci with a chaotic 3-2 win over Dynamo Kyiv at the Motor Lublin Arena. The match, moved to Poland because of the war in Ukraine, saw the Greek side concede inside three minutes, lose forward Tacha Ali to a shoulder injury, then rally through a brilliant individual display from Giannis Konstantelias.

Early shock and immediate reply

Dynamo struck with their first attack. Oleksandr Dubinchak cut the ball back from the left and Andriy Brazhko hammered a first-time finish past goalkeeper Andriy Pavlenka to make it 1-0 after only 180 seconds. PAOK’s problems deepened when Ali, one of three debutants in the starting eleven, was forced off with a shoulder issue in the 12th minute, replaced by Taison. But while the substitution was still being completed, the visitors levelled. Andrija Zivkovic threaded a through ball behind the defence and Konstantelias, with a delicate chip, buried it for 1-1 at 13 minutes.

Konstantelias takes over

PAOK grew into the game and the 23-year-old Konstantelias became the engine. In the 33rd minute (one source reports 38), he hounded a Dynamo defender into a loose pass inside the area, and Christos Zafeiris swept a diagonal shot into the net for 2-1, his first official goal for the club. Seven minutes after the interval Konstantelias struck again, this time pulling the ball back from the left for debutant Facundo Santamaria to drive a low right-footed shot inside the far post and make it 3-1. All three goals had Konstantelias directly involved, with the captain dominating the attacking phase.

Late nerves for PAOK

Dynamo Kiev refused to fade. Former PAOK defender Tomasz Kędziora floated a cross from the right in the 71st minute, Vitali Buyalskyi cushioned it, and substitute Andriy Lonwijk side-footed past Pavlenka to trim the deficit to 3-2. The Ukrainians then rattled the woodwork in the 83rd minute when a shot by Ponomarenko struck the inside of the right post, leaving the travelling support hanging on until the final whistle. PAOK clung to the slim lead, enduring a nervy finish but preserving the away win.

What happens next

The return leg is scheduled for 30 July at the Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki (20:45 local time). If PAOK advances, they will face the winner of Hammarby (Sweden) against Anderlecht (Belgium) in the Europa League third qualifying round. Should they be eliminated, they drop into the Conference League third qualifying round and will meet the winner of Qarabag (Azerbaijan) versus CSKA Sofia (Bulgaria).