Anderlecht Hold Off PAOK in 3-2 Europa League Qualifying Thriller

Anderlecht Edge PAOK 3-2 After Late Drama

Anderlecht defeated PAOK 3-2 at Lotto Park in Brussels on Thursday, August 13, earning the win in a five-goal UEFA Europa League third qualifying round match. The hosts led 1-0, were pegged back before half-time, and then secured victory with two second-half goals despite a late penalty and a chaotic finish.

Anderlecht Take Lead in Five-Goal Opener

Anderlecht made the brighter start and took the lead in the 19th minute through L. Petrot. The opening goal gave the home side an early reward for their attacking initiative and established the first advantage of an open contest.

PAOK responded before the interval, with A. Zivkovic equalizing in the 34th minute after receiving the assist from Taison. The visitors’ reaction ensured the teams went into half-time level at 1-1, while A. Baba was booked for PAOK shortly before the break in the 43rd minute.

Second-Half Goals Put Hosts Ahead

Anderlecht regained control immediately after the restart when L. Ambros restored their lead in the 47th minute. G. Biancone provided the assist, and the quick timing of the goal put the hosts back in front before PAOK could settle into the second half.

The advantage grew to 3-1 in the 55th minute as D. Sikan finished from M. Cvetkovic’s assist. Two goals in the opening 10 minutes after half-time transformed the match, giving Anderlecht a clear platform and leaving PAOK needing a strong response.

Late Penalty and Red Cards Shape Finish

PAOK kept the contest alive late on when A. Jeremejeff converted a penalty in the 88th minute. The spot-kick reduced the deficit to one and set up a tense closing period, although Anderlecht held on to preserve its lead.

The final moments brought significant disciplinary incidents. A. Zivkovic and A. Jeremejeff were both sent off in the 89th and 90th minutes respectively, while G. Biancone and N. Saliba were booked for Anderlecht; C. Zafeiris and L. Ambros had also received yellow cards earlier in the second half.

Victory Strengthens Anderlecht’s Qualifying Momentum

The result continues Anderlecht’s positive recent sequence, following a draw and two wins in their three matches before this fixture. Their ability to respond after PAOK’s equalizer, then withstand the late penalty, highlighted both attacking efficiency and resilience at Lotto Park.

PAOK entered the match with two wins in their previous three games but suffered a second defeat in that recent run after conceding three goals. No current standings data is available for either team, so the direct impact on their league positions cannot be specified; however, Anderlecht take a valuable qualifying victory while PAOK leave Brussels beaten by the narrowest margin.