PAOK still on track after Maccabi Haifa draw

PAOK FC remain well on target for a qualifying spot in UEFA Europa League Group L after settling for a point against Maccabi Haifa FC in Israel.

In an even first half, PAOK enjoyed the only clear-cut chance when Miroslav Stoch forced Bojan Šaranov into a fine save. Hen Erza struck the woodwork for the hosts after the break, but they could not find a way to secure a first win of the group stage, leaving themselves and FC Shakhter Karagandy six points behind PAOK and fellow pace-setters AZ Alkmaar.

These two sides may have played out an entertaining first half on matchday three – serving up four goals and two missed penalties – but there was to be no repeat this time around. Both teams started brightly, though, and Maccabi Haifa striker Dino Ndlovu struck a shot just wide of the post in the opening stages.

As for the visitors, they were restricted to a solitary long-range effort which Alexandros Tziolis blazed over the bar. Indeed, neither goalkeeper was tested until first-half added time, but when Stoch finished a quick PAOK counterattack with a low shot at goal, Šaranov did brilliantly to save with his legs.

Costin Lazăr tested Šaranov again after the interval with a firm drive from 30 metres out, while at the other end half-time substitute Shimon Abuhazira forced Jacobo to palm away his powerful attempt from a tight angle. Stoch also tried his luck from distance but shot straight at Šaranov, before Ezra curled a fine effort against the post for the hosts from outside the box.

Both sides pushed for the decisive goal but neither could produce a winner, with Gustavo Boccoli sending a long-range effort high and wide for Maccabi Haifa before Lino almost deceived Šaranov with a free-kick from 35 metres.