Recap
PAOK produced a respectable campaign in the League Phase of the UEFA Europa League, finishing 17th in the standings with a 3-3-2 record. In the final round, their only objective was to improve their placement, but they fell short in a high-scoring and eventful 4-2 defeat away to Lyon, a match played under the emotional weight of mourning following the tragic car accident involving their supporters in Romania.
The Greek side now enter an especially demanding period, with this fixture marking their sixth match in just 19 days. Their most recent game ended in a tense 0-0 draw against AEK Athens in the Toumba derby. Squad availability is a major concern, with several key players sidelined: Meïté (18/0), Giakoumakis (17/7 suspended), Despodov (15/3), Konstantelias (13/6 suspended), Ivanušec (13/0) and Pelkas (9/4). Additionally, head coach Răzvan Lucescu will also miss the match due to suspension, further complicating preparations.
Celta de Vigo progressed to the Europa League playoffs after finishing 16th in the League Stage. Domestically, they arrive following a 2-2 draw away to Espanyol, extending their winless run to five matches across all competitions (0-3-2). Despite the lack of victories, their performances have shown competitive structure, even if results have not fully reflected their overall quality.
The visitors will also be without Sotelo (14/0) and Aidoo (3/0), but they still possess a technically strong squad with clear European ambitions. Considering PAOK’s demanding schedule and numerous absences, Celta appear well-positioned to remain unbeaten in Thessaloniki.