PAOK defender Pantelis Chatzidiakos has warned that his side face a life or death encounter in Norway next Thursday after being held to a 1-1 draw by SK Brann at Toumba Stadium in their UEFA Conference League play-off first leg.
The defender stated that everything remains open for the return fixture, insisting that securing qualification for the tournament's League Phase is the team's sole priority regardless of how it is achieved.
The result in Thessaloniki leaves the Greek side needing a victory or positive outcome on Norwegian soil next week to ensure their place in European competition for the remainder of the season.
Rematch in Norway
Speaking after the match, Chatzidiakos acknowledged the test awaiting his side in Norway, describing Brann's home ground as a tough venue. He noted that he had played at the stadium before and was familiar with the conditions.
Chatzidiakos explained that while PAOK would take encouragement from the positive elements of their performance, there were numerous areas that required improvement ahead of the return leg.
He added that the squad possesses the experience necessary to understand when certain matches carry greater significance, explicitly describing the upcoming Thursday fixture as a matter of life or death.
The UEFA Conference League is the third tier of European club competition, sitting below the Champions League and Europa League. Teams competing in the play-off round are battling for a spot in the newly formatted League Phase.
Filling the Midfield Void
Chatzidiakos also reflected on the departure of Giannis Konstantelias, urging fans to stay close to the team as they adjust to life without the key midfielder.
He noted that Konstantelias had spent years with the club and was deeply valued by his teammates, adding that he shared a close connection with him through their time together with the Greek national team.
The defender admitted that replacing Konstantelias would present a significant challenge, but stressed that the squad has a responsibility to collectively fill the void.
PAOK, one of Greece's prominent football clubs based in Thessaloniki, host their matches at Toumba Stadium. Their opponents, SK Brann, represent Bergen in Norway's top division and have built a formidable home record in domestic and European play.
The decisive second leg will take place in Norway next Thursday, with the winner advancing directly to the Conference League League Phase.
