Kyiv searching for goals, Greeks adapting to new coach: prediction for Dynamo Kyiv vs PAOK
The first leg of the Europa League second qualifying round between Dynamo Kyiv and PAOK will take place on July 23, 2026, at the Motor Lublin Arena in Lublin. The Ukrainian side reached this stage after a hard-fought penalty shootout win over Romania’s Universitatea, while the Thessaloniki team is just kicking off their official season under a new head coach.
Dynamo Kyiv: through to the next round, but still no goals from open play
For most of their two-legged tie, Dynamo looked the stronger side against Universitatea, yet failed to score from open play. Their fate was sealed in a dramatic penalty shootout, where Ihor Kostyuk’s men showed character, but the upcoming clash with a stronger PAOK will demand much more in attack.
Injuries in defense are a major headache. Kostyantyn Vivcharenko is out for several months, Kristian Bilovar is doubtful, and Denys Popov, Oleksandr Tymchyk, Mykola Mykhailenko, and Vladyslav Kabayev are all unavailable. One positive for Dynamo is their experience in Lublin: in ten European matches at this arena, the Kyiv side has claimed five victories.
PAOK: potent attack masks defensive frailties
The Greek club enters the new season after a coaching change: Razvan Lucescu has replaced Alessio Lisci, who previously worked with Osasuna. During pre-season, PAOK stuck to an attacking style, netting 13 goals in four friendlies, but stronger opponents frequently exposed their back line - their last warm-up, against Twente, ended in a 2-3 defeat.
Up front, the visitors are dealing with a personnel shortage. Fyodor Chalov has undergone surgery and will miss about six months, Giorgos Giakoumakis left after a 15-goal season, and Magomed Ozdoyev has joined Krasnodar. Filling these gaps are expected to be Andrija Živković, Christos Tzafiris, Mady Camara, and Aleksandr Yeremeyev, who have already impressed in pre-season.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Dynamo have won three of their last five nominal home fixtures in European competition.
- PAOK have suffered three defeats in their previous five away games.
- Both teams have scored in six of Dynamo's last ten matches and in eight of PAOK’s last ten games.
Open football to keep the intrigue alive for the return leg: prediction for Dynamo Kyiv vs PAOK
PAOK look a more dangerous opponent than Universitatea, but they’re far from their peak. The new coach is still building chemistry, there are fewer natural center forwards, and friendlies have exposed real gaps in the Greek side’s defense.
Dynamo are facing roster issues and have yet to find their finishing touch, but they feel at home in Lublin and traditionally hold their own against Greek opposition. The Kyiv team can exploit the visitors’ vulnerabilities, but containing PAOK’s swift and versatile attacks for the full 90 minutes will be a tough challenge.
