PAOK vs SK Brann

PAOK dominated the ball but couldn't find a breakthrough against a resolute Brann side in the first leg of their Conference League playoff at Toumba Stadium, settling for a 1-1 draw. The standout performer was Brann goalkeeper Mathias Dyngeland, who repelled wave after wave of PAOK pressure and was named Player of the Match. Brann struck first when Kristian Eriksen converted a chance set up by Joachim Soltvedt in the 57th minute. PAOK hit back through Abdul Rahman Baba, who leveled things in the 77th minute after being teed up by Tom Louchet. Despite finishing with 23 shots to Brann's six and a far higher expected-goals tally, the hosts couldn't turn all that territory into a winner. Several players were booked, including Christos Zafeiris and Pantelis Hatzidiakos for PAOK, but no one saw red. The tie now heads to Bergen level at 1-1. PAOK will feel they let a big chance slip after controlling long stretches of play, while Brann take real confidence from stealing a road draw and will fancy closing out qualification on home soil.