THESSALONIKI, GREECE — PAOK Salonika delivered a clinical 2-0 victory over Real Betis at Toumba Stadium on Thursday night, climbing to 17th place in the Europa League standings while dealing a significant blow to the Spanish side's ambitions of automatic qualification. Andrija Zivkovic's close-range header and Giorgos Giakoumakis's late penalty secured three precious points for the Greek hosts, who now sit on 8 points with their playoff hopes very much alive.
The statistics told a story of dominance unrewarded for Real Betis, who enjoyed 57.1% of possession and created 19 shots to PAOK's 12, yet found themselves on the wrong end of a comprehensive defeat. The visitors' wastefulness in front of goal proved costly, with only 2 of their 19 attempts troubling PAOK goalkeeper Antonis Tsiftsis, while the hosts converted half of their 4 shots on target into goals that ultimately decided the contest.
The opening exchanges belonged to Real Betis, who controlled the tempo and probed for openings in PAOK's disciplined defensive structure. The Spanish side's best opportunity of the first half arrived in the 31st minute when Ángel Ortiz unleashed a right-footed effort from distance that forced Tsiftsis into a comfortable save in the center of the goal. Despite their territorial advantage and 9 corners to PAOK's 5, Betis struggled to convert possession into clear-cut chances, with the Greek backline marshaled expertly by Giannis Michailidis and his defensive partners.
PAOK's tactical approach centered on absorbing pressure and striking on the counter-attack, with Taison and Dimitris Pelkas providing the creative spark in transition. The hosts grew into the contest as the first half progressed, using their physicality to disrupt Betis's rhythm and force the visitors into committing fouls in dangerous areas. The referee was kept busy throughout, brandishing 6 yellow cards in what developed into a fiery encounter, with tensions rising as both sides battled for European supremacy.
The breakthrough arrived in the 67th minute through a moment of opportunism from Zivkovic. Giakoumakis, who had been a constant nuisance to the Betis defense with his physical presence and intelligent movement, provided the assist with a clever delivery that found Zivkovic unmarked. The Serbian midfielder made no mistake, powering a header from very close range into the center of the goal past Pau López, who had no chance of keeping it out. The Toumba Stadium erupted as PAOK seized the advantage their game management deserved.
Real Betis responded with a flurry of substitutions, introducing Giovani Lo Celso, Marc Roca, and Abde Ezzalzouli in an attempt to salvage something from the contest. The changes brought fresh energy, and Betis pressed forward with renewed urgency, but their finishing remained woefully inadequate. Nelson Deossa came close in the 90th minute with a left-footed strike from outside the box that whistled just wide, while Ángel Ortiz saw another effort from the right side of the box miss the target in stoppage time.
The decisive moment arrived in the 83rd minute when Giannis Konstantelias, who had replaced Pelkas nine minutes earlier, drew a foul from José Antonio Morante inside the penalty area. The referee pointed to the spot without hesitation, and despite protests from the Betis players that resulted in yellow cards for Pau López and Giannis Michailidis during the ensuing melee, the decision stood. Giakoumakis stepped up with ice in his veins and converted the penalty with a right-footed shot to the bottom right corner in the 86th minute, sending López the wrong way and effectively ending the contest.
The final minutes saw PAOK manage the game professionally, with substitutes Kiril Despodov and Anestis Mythou helping to run down the clock and preserve the clean sheet. Betis continued to push forward desperately, with Morante seeing a left-footed effort blocked in the 90th minute, but PAOK's defensive organization held firm. Soualiho Meïté and Magomed Ozdoev controlled the midfield battle in the closing stages, breaking up play and ensuring there would be no late drama.
The victory represents a significant statement from PAOK in their quest to reach the knockout stages, with their clinical finishing contrasting sharply with Betis's profligacy. The Spanish side will rue their inability to capitalize on their statistical dominance, particularly their shot count of 19 attempts that yielded so little reward. PAOK's defensive discipline and counter-attacking threat proved the perfect formula against opponents who controlled the ball but lacked the cutting edge to break them down.
For Real Betis, sitting in fifth place with 11 points, the defeat raises questions about their ability to secure automatic qualification for the next round. Their possession-based approach yielded plenty of territory but precious few genuine scoring opportunities, with only 2 shots on target from 19 attempts highlighting their struggles in the final third. The loss of momentum at this crucial stage of the competition could prove costly as the group stage reaches its conclusion.
PAOK's rise to 17th place with 8 points keeps their playoff dreams alive, and this performance demonstrated the qualities that have made them dangerous opponents on home soil. Their ability to defend resolutely while maintaining a genuine threat on the break will serve them well in the challenges ahead, particularly as they look to build on this momentum in domestic competition.
The win positions PAOK well ahead of their trip to Kifisia on January 24, while Real Betis must regroup quickly with Alavés visiting on January 25 as they seek to rediscover the form that had seen them unbeaten in the competition until this setback.