Celta Vigo Vs Paok preview: Celta return to Balaidos with narrow first-leg lead
Celta Vigo Vs Paok meets for a decisive second leg on Thursday evening at Balaidos Stadium, with Celta holding a 2-1 lead from the first leg and one step away from the Europa League round of 16.
Celta Vigo Vs Paok: Celta can finish the job at Balaidos
Celta return home after a hard-fought 2-1 victory in the first leg in Greece, a result that gives them both a numerical advantage and a psychological edge heading into the second leg. Claudio Giraldez’s side have been in encouraging domestic form, recording two wins, two draws and one defeat from their last five matches across all competitions, including a comfortable 2-0 victory over Mallorca in their most recent outing. In European competition, Celta accumulated 13 points during the league phase with four wins, one draw and three defeats from eight matches, and have registered three wins from four European home matches at Balaidos.
PAOK face an uphill task after home defeat
PAOK arrive in Spain needing to overturn the deficit after the disappointing home loss in the first leg. Razvan Lucescu must address a team that has managed just one win from its last five matches across all competitions, alongside three draws and one defeat, and whose most recent result was a 1-1 draw against AE Larissa. In the Europa League league phase PAOK amassed 12 points from three wins, three draws and two defeats, and their European away record is a concern: one win from four matches, one draw and two defeats.
What the first leg means for the second leg
The 2-1 scoreline from the first leg leaves PAOK with an immediate requirement to score while avoiding further concessions; Celta can approach the game with the advantage of playing at Balaidos, where they have generally performed well in Europe this season. With the tie poised one step from the round of 16, both coaches must decide how to balance attack and defence: Giraldez to protect his lead and Lucescu to find the goals needed to progress.
The decisive second leg is scheduled for Thursday evening at Balaidos Stadium. Team news, final lineups and tactical tweaks from both sides will determine whether Celta complete the job at home or PAOK overturn the deficit to reach the next round.
