The second leg of the 2024/25 Europa League playoff between FCSB (Romania) and PAOK (Greece) will take place on February 20 at the National Arena in Bucharest. The first match ended 2-1 in favor of FCSB. FCSB vs. PAOK: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
FCSB
Elias Charalambous' squad performed well in the first match against PAOK, winning 2-1 away. This was the second time FCSB has outplayed this opponent in the current Europa League campaign, having previously defeated the Greeks 1-0 in the group stage. This victory marked the club's sixth win in this season's competition, including qualification matches. To advance to the next round, FCSB only needs a draw in regular time. If they reach the Round of 16, it will match their best achievement in this tournament.
- The club has not lost in regular time in 5 of their last 6 home matches in the Europa League (3 wins, 1 draw).
- The team has kept a clean sheet in 6 of their last 9 home games in this competition.
- No more than two goals have been scored in 90 minutes in 4 of FCSB's last 6 home matches in the Europa League.
Predicted lineup for FCSB (4-2-3-1)
Stefan Tarnovanu – Risto Radunovic, Siyabonga Ngezana, Joyskim Dawa, Valentin Cretu – Adrian Sut, Mihai Popescu – Florin Tanase, Malcom Edjouma, David Miculescu – Daniel Birligea.
Midfielders Octavian Popescu, Mihai Lixandru, and Darius Olaru, along with forward William Baten, will miss the match due to injuries.
PAOK
Razvan Lucescu's team, having lost the first match, suffered their second consecutive defeat in the Europa League and their fifth loss in the current campaign. To advance to the next round, PAOK needs to win in regular time by at least two goals. If the Greeks win by one goal, extra time will be played. The club has never reached the Round of 16 in the Europa League before.
- The team has not won in regular time in 9 of their last 11 away matches in the Europa League (1 draw, 8 losses).
- No more than two goals have been scored in 90 minutes in 4 of PAOK's last 5 away games in this competition.
- At least one of the opponents failed to score in regular time in 4 of PAOK's last 5 away matches in the Europa League.
Predicted lineup for PAOK (4-2-3-1)
Dominik Kotarski – Abdul Rahman Baba, Giannis Michailidis, Tomasz Kedziora, Honny – Soualiho Meite, Stefan Schwab – Dimitris Pelkas, Tyson, Soualiho Meite – Dimitris Pelkas.
First-choice goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski, defender Dejan Lovren, and midfielder Stefan Schwab are out due to injuries. Forward Tyson will miss the match due to suspension.
Referee
Matej Jug (Slovenia)
Matches – 9 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 43;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.8;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 44%.
FCSB vs. PAOK: Match Prediction
The Romanians often benefit from the support of their fans and feel confident at home. The team focuses on reliable defense to achieve positive results, allowing their opponents few opportunities. In their last nine home matches in the Europa League, FCSB has kept six clean sheets, and in this season's competition, they have conceded more than one goal at home only to Manchester United.
For PAOK, away matches regularly pose a significant challenge, and the team rarely excels in attack. In their last 11 away games in the Europa League, the Greeks have scored more than one goal only three times, and in six matches during this period, they failed to score altogether.
I do not expect the Romanians to allow their opponent to create many chances. I anticipate a solid defensive performance from FCSB, and my prediction: PAOK Individual Total Under 1.5
