Prediction for PAOK vs Brann: Greek passion faces Scandinavian character - 20.08.2026
On August 20 in Thessaloniki, the first leg of the UEFA Conference League playoff qualifiers will see PAOK take on Brann. The Greeks will host the Norwegians at Toumba Stadium, with the return fixture scheduled for August 27. A spot in the main tournament is at stake, so there’s no room for complacency here.
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PAOK dropped into the Conference League after a setback in the Europa League. The Greek side knocked out Dynamo Kyiv in the previous round, winning both legs—3:2 and 2:0—but then fell to Anderlecht. After a 0:1 defeat at home, PAOK lost again in Brussels, 2:3. Twice PAOK clawed their way back into the contest, but a late goal sealed their fate and ended their Europa League journey.
Brann’s European campaign this summer has been more successful. The Norwegians started their Conference League run in the second qualifying round, getting past Romania’s Universitatea Cluj: after a 2:2 draw away, they secured a 3:1 win at home. In the next round, Brann faced Apollon. They lost 0:1 in Norway but produced a real rout in Cyprus with a 4:2 victory, taking the tie 4:3 on aggregate.
Brann’s strong form is also evident domestically. On August 2, they edged Rosenborg 3:2. However, a 2:3 loss to Vålerenga preceded that, so it’s fair to say the visitors’ defense is not exactly rock solid. Up front, though, the Norwegians are firing on all cylinders: 14 goals in their last five matches.
PAOK also know how to score, but the team is currently navigating a tricky spell. After four straight European wins, the Greeks lost twice to Anderlecht. Still, PAOK found the net in both games, so their issues seem to lie more at the back than up front.
In this matchup, I’m leaning towards the hosts. PAOK have significant European experience, and Toumba has long been a tough ground for visiting teams. Brann will surely try to play bravely, but it’s crucial for the Greeks to establish an advantage before heading to Norway.
My prediction: both teams to score – yes.
