PAOK Dominates Dynamo Kyiv 2-0 in UEFA Europa League

PAOK 2-0 Dynamo Kyiv at Toumba Stadium leaves the Greek side with a strong first-leg platform in the UEFA Europa League 2nd Qualifying Round. A brace from Giannis Konstantelias either side of half-time gave Alessio Lisci’s team full control of the tie, while Dynamo left Thessaloniki with work to do in the return leg. With no league standings data available at this stage of the season, the significance is purely continental: PAOK carry a two-goal cushion and a clean sheet into the second leg.

Match Report

The game’s first major incident came on 35', when PAOK centre-back Pantelis Hatzidiakos was booked for tripping, a reminder of Dynamo Kyiv’s attempts to play through the lines and draw contact high up the pitch.

PAOK’s breakthrough arrived in first-half added time. On 45+1', PAOK goal — Giannis Konstantelias (assisted by Jonathan Gómez). The attacking midfielder timed his movement well to meet a delivery from the left-back, rewarding PAOK’s growing territorial pressure just before the interval and sending the hosts in 1-0 up.

Any hopes Dynamo had of regrouping were quickly undermined after the restart. On 48', PAOK goal — Giannis Konstantelias (assisted by Giannis Michailidis). Konstantelias again found space between the lines, combining with his centre-back who had stepped into midfield, and doubled the lead with a composed finish to make it 2-0.

Dynamo’s frustration surfaced shortly after. On 50', Matvii Ponomarenko (Dynamo Kyiv) — yellow card (Tripping), as the forward was cautioned for a late challenge while pressing PAOK’s build-up.

Igor Kostyuk responded with a double substitution on 67' to inject creativity and experience. Mykola Shaparenko replaced Vitaliy Buyalskiy (Dynamo Kyiv), adding more progressive passing in midfield, while Andriy Yarmolenko replaced Nazar Voloshyn (Dynamo Kyiv) to provide leadership and crossing threat from the right.

Lisci made his first change on 69', looking to manage energy levels and protect the lead. Dimitrios Chatsidis replaced Taison (PAOK), adding fresh legs in the attacking midfield band.

On 76', PAOK reshaped further with a triple substitution. Mady Camara replaced Christos Zafeiris (PAOK) to reinforce central midfield, Dimitrios Pelkas replaced Andrija Živković (PAOK) to bring control and experience in the final third, and Aritz Elustondo replaced Pantelis Hatzidiakos (PAOK), a like-for-like swap at centre-back to maintain defensive solidity.

Dynamo’s growing urgency led to another caution on 78'. Mykola Shaparenko (Dynamo Kyiv) — yellow card (Foul), booked for a late challenge as he tried to win the ball back high.

On 80', Dynamo adjusted their attacking structure again: Vladyslav Kabaiev replaced Bogdan Redushko (Dynamo Kyiv), offering more direct running from wide areas.

PAOK then protected their match-winner on 83'. Dimitrios Pelkas, having already entered, now moved into a more central creative role as he replaced Giannis Konstantelias (PAOK), ensuring the two-goal scorer left to an ovation and preserving him for the second leg.

The visitors made a final double change on 86' in search of a late lifeline. Kristian Bilovar replaced Aliou Thiare (Dynamo Kyiv), altering the defensive line and allowing for more aggressive full-back positioning, while Pierre Mounguengue replaced Justin Lonwijk (Dynamo Kyiv), adding a more direct forward presence. Despite these moves, PAOK’s structure held firm and the match finished 2-0.

Fixture Statistics & Tactical Audit

• xG: not available vs not available
• Possession: not available vs not available
• Shots on Target: not available vs not available
• Goalkeeper Saves: not available vs not available

With no underlying statistical data recorded, the tactical picture must be drawn from the pattern of events. PAOK’s two goals both came from structured attacking phases rather than transitions, suggesting a well-rehearsed positional game that repeatedly freed Konstantelias between the lines. Dynamo’s response — a series of attacking substitutions and two yellow cards stemming from pressing and recovery attempts — underlined that they were often chasing the game rather than controlling it. The 2-0 scoreline reflects PAOK’s ability to convert their key moments, while Dynamo, despite adjustments, failed to generate a decisive response.

Standings Update & Seasonal Impact

As this was a UEFA Europa League 2nd Qualifying Round tie and no league standings data is available, the impact is best understood within the context of the two-legged knockout. PAOK’s 2-0 home win gives them a clear advantage: Dynamo Kyiv must now overturn a two-goal deficit in the return leg, while PAOK can approach the away match with a degree of tactical pragmatism, prioritising defensive stability and counter-attacks to close out progression.

Lineups & Personnel

PAOK Starting XI

• GK: Jiří Pavlenka
• DF: Jonathan Gómez, Giannis Michailidis, Pantelis Hatzidiakos, Jonjoe Kenny
• MF: Baptiste Santamaria, Christos Zafeiris, Andrija Živković, Giannis Konstantelias, Taison
• FW: Anestis Mythou

Dynamo Kyiv Starting XI

• GK: Vyacheslav Surkis
• DF: Taras Mykhavko, Aliou Thiare, Tomasz Kędziora, Oleksii Sych
• MF: Justin Lonwijk, Volodymyr Brazhko, Bogdan Redushko, Vitaliy Buyalskiy, Nazar Voloshyn
• FW: Matvii Ponomarenko

Post-Match Verdict

PAOK’s display was clinical in the final third (two clear chances for Konstantelias, two goals) and tactically controlled, with Lisci’s in-game management — especially the midfield and defensive substitutions — preserving structure and energy levels. Dynamo Kyiv’s performance, by contrast, was reactive; multiple attacking changes and two yellow cards from attempts to recover possession pointed to a side struggling to impose a coherent attacking plan. Without statistical detail, the key differentiator was efficiency: PAOK maximised their decisive phases, while Dynamo failed to translate their adjustments into clear scoring opportunities, leaving the tie tilted firmly in the Greeks’ favour.