The second leg of the Europa League 2024/25 playoff between FCSB (Romania) and PAOK (Greece) will take place on February 20 at the National Arena in Bucharest. The score of the first match is 2-1 in favor of FCSB. FCSB vs. PAOK: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
FCSB
Elias Charalambous's team successfully navigated the first leg against PAOK, winning away with a score of 2-1. This marks the second time FCSB has outperformed this opponent in the current Europa League campaign, having previously defeated the Greeks 1-0 in the group stage. This victory is the club's sixth in this season's European competition, including qualification matches. To advance to the next round, FCSB only needs a draw in regular time. If they manage to reach the Europa League Round of 16, it will match their best achievement in this competition.
- 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 encounters in this European competition.
- No more than two goals have been scored in regular time in 4 of the last 6 home games for the Romanians 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, as well as forward William Baten, will miss the match due to injuries.
PAOK
Razvan Lucescu's team, having lost the first leg, suffered their second consecutive defeat in the Europa League and their fifth loss in this season's European 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. Notably, the club has never previously reached the Europa League Round of 16.
- 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 regular time in 4 of the last 5 away games in this European 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, Honni – Soualiho Meite, Stefan Schwab – Dimitris Pelkas, Tyson, Soualiho Meite – Dimitris Pelkas.
Main goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski, defender Dejan Lovren, and midfielder Stefan Schwab will not play 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 a solid defensive game to achieve positive results, allowing their opponents few opportunities. Over the last nine home matches in the Europa League, FCSB has kept six clean sheets, and in this season's European campaign, they have only conceded more than one goal at home to Manchester United.
For PAOK, away games are regularly a tough challenge, and the team rarely excels in attack. In their last 11 away encounters 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 don't think the Romanians will allow their opponent to create too many chances. I expect a solid defensive performance from FCSB, and my prediction: PAOK Individual Total Under 1.5
