AP Preview: Europa League Showdown in Thessaloniki

THESSALONIKI, Greece (Interstat) — A crucial Europa League knockout stage clash is set for Thursday as Greek Super League side PAOK hosts Spain’s Real Betis at Toumba Stadium.

The match, scheduled for Jan. 22, 2026, pits a dominant PAOK in domestic form against a Betis squad that topped its European group.

PAOK enters on a strong run, unbeaten in its last four domestic matches (3-0-1). The club is coming off a commanding 3-0 victory over OFI on Jan. 18 and has outscored opponents 10-1 in its last three Greek league contests. However, its European form was less assured, with a 3-3 draw against Ludogorets on Dec. 11 highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.

Real Betis secured its place in this round by winning Group G, finishing undefeated in six matches (4-2-0). The Spanish side capped the group stage with a decisive 3-1 away win at Dinamo Zagreb on Dec. 11. Betis demonstrated resilience throughout, with comeback victories over FC Utrecht and Olympique Lyonnais.

The matchup presents a classic contrast. PAOK will rely on its intense home atmosphere at Toumba, where it has lost only once domestically this season. Betis will counter with European pedigree and a proven ability to secure results on the road in the competition.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is a narrow 1-0 victory for Real Betis.

The stakes extend beyond this single leg. The return fixture is set for next Thursday, Jan. 29, at Benito Villamarín Stadium in Seville. For PAOK, this begins a brutal stretch of fixtures, including a domestic match against Kifisias on Jan. 25 and the return leg against Betis. The Spanish side’s focus is singular, with its next match being the second leg against PAOK.

Thursday’s game will hinge on whether PAOK’s domestic fortress can hold against a Betis team battle-tested in Europe. The visitors are slight favorites, but Toumba Stadium promises a formidable challenge.