Anderlecht secured a narrow 1-0 victory over PAOK Saloniki in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round, according to match reports from August 2026. The decisive moment arrived after just 16 seconds when Mihajlo Cvetkovic capitalized on a defensive scramble inside the penalty area to score past goalkeeper Dominik Pavlenka.
Early Breakthrough Sets the Tone in Thessaloniki
The visiting side caught the Greek defense off guard right from the opening whistle. According to match summaries, goalkeeper Colin Coosemans launched a long ball into the box, triggering a chaotic flipperkast moment that allowed Cvetkovic to slot home the game’s only goal.
Despite holding the lead for nearly the entire match, RSCA spent long stretches defending deep. PAOK dominated possession under the guidance of their vocal supporters at the Toumba Stadium, registering 17 total attempts compared to just four for the visitors.
VAR Rescues Anderlecht Before Halftime
The Greek hosts thought they had equalized shortly before the interval when referee decisions and VAR interventions heavily influenced the flow of the game. Following a foul in the box by Enric Llansana, PAOK was awarded a penalty kick.
According to the official match log, Coosemans initially saved the spot-kick from Giannis Michailidis, but Anestis Mythou put the rebound away. The VAR subsequently disallowed the goal because Mythou entered the penalty area too early. A second potential penalty review shortly after was also overturned due to a prior foul by Andrija Zivkovic.
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Defensive Resilience Secures the Advantage
The second half mirrored the first, with Anderlecht absorbing intense pressure without conceding.
Cvetkovic thought he had doubled the lead later in the half following a setup by Oliver Antman, but the strike was flagged for offside. The visitors successfully managed the remaining minutes, including five minutes of stoppage time marred by a yellow card for Danylo Sikan following a confrontation with Aritz Elustondo.
Reaction from the Camp
Speaking after the final whistle, goalkeeper Colin Coosemans emphasized the physical nature of the encounter. “This was a men’s match,” Coosemans stated, noting that the squad had to suffer at times due to the opponent’s individual qualities. Defender Giulian Biancone echoed those sentiments, telling reporters that the younger players displayed crucial maturity on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between PAOK Saloniki and Anderlecht?
Anderlecht won the first leg 1-0 thanks to an opening-minute goal by Mihajlo Cvetkovic.
When and where is the return leg scheduled?
The return fixture takes place on Thursday, August 13, at the Lotto Park in Brussels.
Why was PAOK’s first-half goal disallowed?
The VAR disallowed the rebound goal because the goalscorer, Anestis Mythou, crossed into the penalty area before the penalty kick was taken.
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