PAOK Thessaloniki vs Malmo Prediction & Betting Tips - Champions League

Prediction published on 11/08/2024, 13:30  by Sridhar Bhamidi | Modified on 11/08/2024 at 15:43 in Champions League Predictions

Malmö and PAOK dished out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the first leg, making this second leg of the Champions League qualifiers an interesting watch. This third qualifying round of the tournament will be played at the Stadio Toumbas on Tuesday, with the prediction of another fixture full of goals.

The winner of this tie will proceed to the playoff round, where they will play the winner of the Sparta Prague vs FCSB fixture. As for the losers, they will move on to the Europa League play-off round. Going by the first leg result, both teams will harbor hopes of progressing in this tournament rather than getting transferred to the Europa League. PAOK twice came back from a goal down to secure the first-leg draw, which is an indicator of their resilience.

The Greek outfit won the previous leg 4-2 on aggregate, which included a 3-2 win at home. Repeating that result would be enough to progress here, but Malmö will have a different idea. The Swedes would have been disheartened by the first-leg draw, especially as they held the lead twice in the game at home. As they look to make it to the group phase for the first time since 2021–22, the Swedes will have a tough ask on their hands.

They have won just one of their last four matches, losing two in the process, which isn’t a good record coming into this trip. They have also struggled in Europe, losing three and drawing one of their last five Champions League matches. Changing that record will depend on how well they can live up to the expectations on this trip.