One step remains before the UEFA Europa League group stage. Both PAOK and Rijeka can still qualify. Despite losing the first leg, PAOK’s chances of qualifying are viewed as slightly higher.
PAOK
Rijeka trail PAOK in most departments, including the quality of personnel and European experience, but the team did everything possible at home and not only kept a clean sheet but also won 1:0. By every metric they were better: 15-11 shots and 7-3 shots on target, 60% to 40% possession, and two yellow cards to five. Rijeka could have won by a wider margin.
PAOK
PAOK have been involved in low-scoring games not only against Rijeka but also in all three of their other official matches of the new season. That is how they got past Wolfsberger in the previous qualifying round of the Europa League, scoring only once, and that came in the second half of extra time in the second leg. In the opening round of Super League Greece, PAOK laboured to beat Athlitiki Enosi Larissa (1:0).
PAOK vs HNK Rijeka Prediction
We do not expect a sudden surge in goals. HNK Rijeka are likely to be cautious, so PAOK may find it difficult to break down the defence. One or two goals could settle it, therefore our prediction is Total Under 2.5 Goals.
