- Dynamo Kiev are a vertical and compact team with quick transitions and zonal pressing.
- PAOK are a structured team with a controlled tempo and pressing waves.
- Dynamo Kiev are unbeaten in 3 away games, W2, D1.
Tough to separate two good European teams
The odds make PAOK the favorite with PAOK at 1.72, Dynamo Kiev at 4.6 and the draw at 4.0.
The 3-2 scoreline in favour of PAOK in the first-leg game suggests this tie will be too close to call with the Greek side just edging the Ukrainian outfit.
The most sensible bet in this game could be in the Both Teams to Score: Yes market at 1.8 as the teams have contrasting styles and the visitors will need to come forward more than in the 2nd leg.
Dynamo Kiev are vertical and fast
Ihor Kostiuk is the man in charge of FC Dynamo Kiev after taking over on 28 November 2025. He has brought a clear identity to the club and the way they play is vertical, with a compact structure, good zonal pressing and fast transitions.
They came through on penalties with Universitatea Cluj in the previous round of UEFA Europa League Qualification 2026 after a 0-0 draw in the away leg. They then lost the game 2-3.
They have been better than their hosts over the last 10 games with 6 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats. The last 5, however, is a better indicator of the rhythm they take into this game with 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat.
PAOK are structured and solid
Alessio Lisci has taken charge of FC PAOK Thessaloniki since 1 July 2026 and he has clearly brought some structure to the team.
They are a patient team, with a tempo and a pressing rhythm which has served them well in Europe so far. They get their fullbacks high up the pitch to stretch the play and they're a threat from wide areas.
PAOK have lost a few more games than they would like with 3 wins, 4 draws and 3 defeats in their last 10 games in all competitions.
The match before the 3-2 win over Dynamo Kiev was a 2-3 defeat to FC Twente in a friendly so these teams do have an appetite for a lively game.
Andrija Zivkovic and Baptiste Santamaria look the most likely goalscorers
Andrija Zivkovic is PAOK's main creator, with 3 in 5 games. The Serbian is the orchestrator of his side's play and can also be a threat in the box.
Baptiste Santamaria has been his team's best goalscorer with 1 goal in 1 game so far in the competition, providing a different punch in the midfield third.
Justin Lonwijk has been Dynamo Kiev's most reliable goal source with 1 goal in 2 games. The striker is a useful finisher on the front line.
The draw is the most tempting bet as FC PAOK are the favourites at 1.72 but Dynamo Kiev's away form has been better and they'll get forward with more regularity than in the 2nd leg. The slight edge for the home side and the 3-2 result from the previous game makes this a close affair rather than a runaway.
