Bohemians became the first League of Ireland team to win four consecutive European games in a row last Thursday. Their latest victory was arguably the most impressive to date with a deserved 2-1 victory over Greek giants PAOK in the UEFA Europa Con
Bohemians became the first League of Ireland team to win four consecutive European games in a row last Thursday.
Their latest victory was arguably the most impressive to date with a deserved 2-1 victory over Greek giants PAOK in the UEFA Europa Conference League Third Qualifying Round, first leg at the Aviva Stadium last week.
The Gypsies Manager Keith Long stressed that the tie is very much half-time as they travel to Greece on Tuesday. Speaking after last weeks first leg, Long praised the group but was quick to shift the focus, “They’ve shown everybody they’re a capable group. There is no point in getting too carried away — we’ve won a game and we’re very much in the tie going to Thessaloniki.”
PAOK have made the group stages of European football in eight of the last 11 seasons and will hope home advantage will help when the Gypsies come to the Stadio Toumba, Thessaloniki.
The match kicks-off at 6pm Irish Time and is available to stream for €10 at www.stream.bohemians.ie
First Leg
The Aviva Stadium has been a happy hunting ground for Bohemians with last week’s first leg victory their third win at the Dublin 4 venue.
Frontman Georgie Kelly drove at the PAOK defence before a clever cutback found Scotsman Ali Coote to slot home for the opener on 23 minutes. The Gypsies second goal was straight from the training ground with a corner played to Coote who fired a shot from long range which slipped through the hands of PAOK goalkeeper Alexandros Paschalakis a few minutes into the second half.
Analysis partner Wyscout provide some interesting stats from the first leg with Bohemians managing to frustrate the favourites in Dublin. PAOK had the majority of possession (65% v 35%) and passes (628 v 250) and Bohemians made the most of their opportunities on the counter-attack and set-plays.
The Bohs defence was well marshalled with Anto Breslin winning 41 of his 58 actions while also providing the assist for Coote’s second of the game. Most of the Gypsies attacks came down the left-hand side (64%) with Liam Burt and Dawson Devoy showing their talent.
Weekend Action
Keith Long spoke about the importance of Bohemians domestic form but his side suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of a resurgent Waterford FC at the RSC on Saturday afternoon. The Gypsies fielded a strong side against the Blues but will be hoping recapture their European magic on Thursday.
PAOK remain in pre-season preparations with their minds sharpened following last weeks defeat in Dublin.
Recent Media
Bohemian stars Dawson Devoy and Ross Tierney were both speaking to the media ahead of the departure to Greece, with both men excited for the return leg.
Devoy who was crowned Soccer Writers Ireland SSE Airtricity League Player of the Month for July spoke about the European campaign to date. “All the lads have been saying it’s special to be back playing in front of the Bohs fans, who have been amazing. PAOK are a good side and they will be expected to go through. It will be tough conditions but we’re all really excited for it."
The partnership between Tierney and Georgie Kelly has been fruitful all campaign and the young attacker waxed lyrical about his team mate. “Georgie and I have a connection and lots of chemistry. We spend more time together in the dressing-room too, having a bit of craic.”
Speaking ahead of the second leg, Tierney added “They (PAOK) may have more quality than we’re used to, but we’ve a lot of quality in our squad and a lot more to come…. It's only half-time, it's a hostile environment but we’ll keep the same game plan and try to win”.
Stadio Toumba
The PAOK Stadium has a capacity of 29,000 and will pose a less hostile environment as fans continue to return to grounds in increasing numbers.
Bohemians’ young guns Andy Lyons, Ross Tierney and Dawson Devoy will have experience playing at the Stadio Toumba having played there in the 2019 UEFA Youth League.
Arch-rivals Shamrock Rovers suffered a 2-1 defeat in front of a raucous PAOK crowd in 2012.
Purchase your match pass now for just €10 - www.stream.bohemians.ie
