By: Peter Katsiris
A late strike from Vladan Ivic earned PAOK FC a 1-1 draw against Ajax AFC in Amsterdam on Wednesday, boosting the Greek side's chances of progressing to the play-off round of the UEFA Champions League. Uruguayan sensation Luis Suarez scored early for the Dutch giants after a goalkeeping error by Kostas Chalkias; however, PAOK staved off another goal and struck at a crucial time through their Serbian ace.
In his first game in charge, new PAOK manager, Pavlos Dermitzakis oversaw a spirited performance by his side, who were second-best in the attacking third for most of the evening. Fortunately for PAOK, Ajax's offense was not put to good use by Martin Jol's men as the Dutch giants will certainly rue not winning at the Amsterdam Arena.
A flurry of chances for the four-time European Cup Winners Cup Champions came within fractions of seemingly ending PAOK's hopes of progressing; however, PAOK are very much alive as an efficient performance by Ivic gives the ‘Dikefale tou Vorra' a chance to soar into the play-off round.
Not everything was good for PAOK as starting ‘keeper Chalkias was replaced after fifteen minutes; Dario Kresic taking the Greek's spot between the posts. Nevertheless, PAOK will be in control when the tie shifts to Greece next week. A rowdy Toumba Stadium will provide what Ajax's Jol has referred to as a “hectic atmosphere.” The former Tottenham Hotspur bench-boss was wary of his side depending on the result in Greece, but now it seems that is exactly what Ajax will need heading into the decisive leg.
Ajax AFC 1-1 PAOK FC
Suarez 13' -- Ivic 73'
Bookings:
Ajax AFC -- Emanuelson 11', Enoh 70', Vertonghen 78', Suarez 82'.
PAOK FC -- Boussaidi 34', Vitolo 62'.
Ajax AFC (Martin Jol): Stekelenburg, van der Wiel, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Anita, Enoh, Lindgren (62' De Zeeuw), Emanuelson (78' Sarpong), De Jong, Sulejmani (66' Eriksen), Suarez (C).
PAOK FC (Pavlos Dermitzakis): Chalkias (C) (15' Kresic), Boussaidi, Cirillo, Malezas, Sznaucner, Vitolo, Garcia, Ivic (75' Fotakis), Vierinha, Sorlin, Salpingidis (90'+2' Papazoglou).
Referee: Tony Chapron (France)
Venue: Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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