Match Preview: Dynamo Kyiv vs PAOK – UEFA Europa League

PAOK Holds the Cards: Dynamo Kyiv Face Uphill Europa League Battle

The echoes of last week's dramatic 3-2 encounter between PAOK and Dynamo Kyiv are still fresh, setting an immediate and intense narrative for this UEFA Europa League return leg. PAOK arrive at Motor Lublin Arena carrying a precious one-goal advantage, putting the onus squarely on Dynamo Kyiv to overcome the deficit and keep their European aspirations alive. The first leg demonstrated both teams' attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities, making this a finely balanced, high-stakes affair where tactical adjustments will prove decisive.

Match Details

• Competition: UEFA Europa League
• Venue: Motor Lublin Arena, Lublin
• Kick-off: Thursday, 23 July 2026 • 18:00 UK Time
• Referee: S. Putros

Current Form

Dynamo Kyiv enters this fixture having lost the opening leg 3-2 to PAOK, a result that demands a strong offensive response here. Prior to that, their Europa League campaign saw them progress past Universitatea Cluj after a pair of 0-0 draws, highlighting a challenge in converting chances in open play during European competition. While friendly wins against Radomiak Radom (4-2) and Lask Linz (2-0) showcased their ability to find the net, the consistency of that attacking threat against a higher calibre opponent like PAOK remains a question mark after the first leg.

PAOK, by contrast, arrives with significant momentum, having secured that crucial 3-2 victory in the first leg. Their build-up to this European tie has been impressive, with convincing friendly wins over AEK Larnaca (3-2), KVC Westerlo (4-0), and SK Beveren (4-1), suggesting an attack-minded philosophy capable of generating numerous opportunities. The sole friendly defeat to Twente, also by a 3-2 scoreline, indicates a team comfortable in high-scoring contests, but perhaps susceptible to defensive lapses.

Team News

There are no major injury concerns reported for either Dynamo Kyiv or PAOK, which means both managers have their full complement of players to choose from for this critical encounter. For Dynamo Kyiv, this means key figures like Viktor Buyalskyi and Mykola Shaparenko are expected to anchor the midfield, providing both creativity and ballast, while Andriy Yarmolenko will likely lead the line of attack. PAOK will similarly rely on their established core, with the likes of Giannis Konstantelias and Andrija Živković crucial to their attacking setup, supported by the double pivot. The absence of enforced changes allows both sides to maintain continuity and execute their preferred tactical blueprints.

Head to Head

Recent meetings between these two sides are scarce, making the 3-2 result from the first leg the most pertinent head-to-head data point available. That match, which occurred on the same date as this return leg, provided immediate and significant context. PAOK's victory means they hold a narrow but valuable lead, placing the pressure firmly on Dynamo Kyiv to chase the game. The five goals scored indicate that both teams possess the ability to penetrate the opposition defence, suggesting a precedent for an open and potentially high-scoring affair rather than a cagey, tactical stalemate.

Tactical Breakdown

The tactical battle will hinge on Dynamo Kyiv's 4-3-3 shape attempting to break down PAOK's defensively sound 4-2-3-1 setup. Dynamo's midfield three, likely featuring the likes of Brazhko, Buyalskyi, and Shaparenko, will aim to establish positional play and control the central areas, forcing PAOK's double pivot (potentially Camara and Meïté) to cover significant ground. The width provided by Dynamo's wingers, such as Yarmolenko and Kabaev, will be crucial in stretching PAOK's back four and creating overloads in the wide channels, looking for openings for E. Guerrero or Vladislav Blănuță through the middle.

However, PAOK's 4-2-3-1 is built for both defensive compactness and dangerous transitions. With a robust double pivot shielding the defence, they will aim to cut off supply lines to Dynamo's attackers and disrupt their build-up. The key for PAOK will be their attacking midfielder, such as Konstantelias or Taison, linking up with striker F. Chalov and wingers like Despodov or Živković. This quartet will look to exploit the half-spaces and any gaps created if Dynamo commits too many players forward. PAOK’s strategy will likely involve soaking up pressure and then hitting Dynamo with direct play, targeting the space in behind their high line as Dynamo pushes for goals.

Prediction

Given the first leg's result and the attacking nature of both teams, this return leg promises goals. Dynamo Kyiv will press high and commit numbers, but PAOK's ability to counter through their versatile attacking players will likely prove decisive. PAOK will hold Dynamo to a 1-1 draw, securing their passage to the next round of the Europa League.