The PAOK vs Rijeka Prediction for the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Playoff Round (Second Leg) sets up a tense battle. Rijeka travel to Greece with a 1–0 first-leg advantage, while PAOK hope to overturn the deficit in front of their passionate supporters at Stadio Toumbas. With both teams inconsistent in recent weeks, this clash promises drama as one side aims for progression into the group stage and the other looks to protect their narrow lead.
Table of Contents
Detail about PAOK vs Rijeka Match
- Competition: UEFA Europa League – Playoff Round (Second Leg)
- Date & Time: Fri, 29 August 2025 – 00:30 (Local Time)
- Venue: Stadio Toumbas, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Aggregate: Rijeka lead 1–0
The first leg in Croatia saw Rijeka edge out PAOK 1–0 in a cagey affair. PAOK now return home determined to mount a comeback, while Rijeka will look to defend their advantage and strike on the counter.
Current Situation – PAOK and Rijeka
PAOK
PAOK return home determined to overturn the 1–0 first-leg defeat. They have looked strong in recent weeks with 3 wins from their last 5 matches, including two clean sheets against Torino and Partizan. Their defensive structure is reliable, but the big challenge is breaking down Rijeka’s compact backline while avoiding exposure on the counter. With the backing of the Toumba crowd, PAOK will push harder in attack and rely on creativity from wide players to find a breakthrough.
- Key Concern: Turning possession and pressure into goals without leaving space behind.
Rijeka
Rijeka travel to Thessaloniki with a slim lead but patchy form, losing twice in their last three outings. Still, their ability to defend deep and strike quickly on the counter makes them dangerous. Their first-leg win showed they can frustrate PAOK, and if they manage to score away from home, the tie could tilt heavily in their favor.
- Key Strength: Compact defense and quick counter-attacks that can punish PAOK’s risks.
Pre-Match Storylines – PAOK vs Rijeka Prediction
- Comeback Pressure: PAOK must score at least once to stay alive.
- Away Goal Importance: A Rijeka goal could force PAOK to need three.
- Hostile Atmosphere: Stadio Toumbas is one of Europe’s toughest venues.
- Fine Margins: Expect a tactical, low-scoring battle decided by moments of quality.
Form Guide – PAOK vs Rijeka Prediction
PAOK (Last 5 Matches)
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Aug 25 | Torino | Win | 1–0 | Clean sheet |
| 21 Aug 25 | Rijeka | Loss | 0–1 | Narrow defeat |
| 14 Aug 25 | Partizan | Win | 1–0 | Solid |
| 07 Aug 25 | Partizan | Draw | 0–0 | Tight |
| 26 Jul 25 | NEC | Win | 3–2 | Entertaining |
PAOK’s form shows defensive resilience, with clean-sheet wins over Torino and Partizan proving their solidity. The 3–2 victory against NEC highlighted their attacking spark, but inconsistency remains, as seen in the 0–1 loss to Rijeka. Strong at the back, PAOK now need more cutting edge in Europe to complete comebacks like this.
Rijeka (Last 5 Matches)
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Aug 25 | Slaven Belupo | Loss | 1–2 | Weak finish |
| 21 Aug 25 | PAOK | Win | 1–0 | First-leg victory |
| 16 Aug 25 | Dinamo Zagreb | Loss | 0–2 | Outclassed |
| 12 Aug 25 | Orijent | Win | 3–1 | Comfortable |
| 09 Aug 25 | Istra | Draw | 0–0 | Balanced |
Rijeka’s recent form has been mixed, with solid wins over PAOK and Orijent showing their quality, but losses to Dinamo Zagreb and Slaven Belupo exposing inconsistency. The 0–0 draw with Istra highlighted their defensive focus, and with a first-leg lead in hand, Rijeka remain dangerous despite their shaky run.
Head-to-Head Record – PAOK vs Rijeka Prediction
The first-leg meeting between these two sides ended with a narrow 1–0 win for Rijeka, giving them the aggregate advantage heading into the second leg. With only one match played in recent history, there’s little head-to-head data to draw from, but Rijeka’s slim victory has set the stage for a tense return clash in Thessaloniki.
| Date | Fixture | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 21 Aug 25 | Rijeka vs PAOK | 1–0 Rijeka |
Key Players to Watch
PAOK – Andrija Živković
Strengths: Vision, pace, and direct threat from wide areas.
Why Important: Creative spark in attack who can unlock Rijeka’s defense.
Playing Style: Quick winger with strong dribbling and set-piece ability.
Rijeka – Niko Janković
Strengths: Finishing, composure, and counter-attack link play.
Why Important: Scored crucial goals in Europe and is Rijeka’s danger man.
Playing Style: Intelligent midfielder who arrives late in the box.
Tactical Outlook – PAOK vs Rijeka Prediction
- PAOK: Will press high and dominate possession, looking for an early goal to level the tie.
- Rijeka: Likely to sit deep, remain compact, and look to exploit counterattacks with pace.
If PAOK score first, momentum will swing heavily in their favor. But Rijeka’s ability to frustrate opponents could keep the game tight.
Statistical Forecast
| Metric | PAOK | Rijeka |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 55–60% | 40–45% |
| Shots | 11–14 | 7–9 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 1.5–1.8 | 0.7–0.9 |
| Big Chances | 3 | 1 |
| Clean Sheet Chance | 40% | 30% |
Prediction Summary – PAOK vs Rijeka Prediction
The PAOK vs Rijeka Prediction suggests a close second leg. PAOK’s home strength should carry them to a narrow win, but Rijeka remain dangerous if they manage to score. Expect intensity, fine margins, and potential late drama.
Final Score : PAOK vs Rijeka Prediction
PAOK 2–1 Rijeka (Aggregate: 2–2 – Extra Time Possible)
Likely Scorers: Živković (PAOK); Janković (Rijeka)
Confidence Levels:
- PAOK Win: 55%
- Draw: 25%
- Rijeka Win: 20%
Betting Tips – (Informational Only)
| Betting Market | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Match Winner | PAOK ✅ |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 |
| Anytime Scorer | Andrija Živković |
| Correct Score | 2–1 PAOK |
| Half-Time / Full-Time | Draw / PAOK |
Note: These predictions are for informational purposes only. Always gamble responsibly.
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FAQs
1.When is the PAOK vs Rijeka second leg being played?
The match will take place on Friday, 29 August 2025 at 00:30 local time in Greece.
2.What was the result of the first leg?
Rijeka won the first leg 1–0 at home, giving them a narrow advantage on aggregate.
3.Why is PAOK favored to win the second leg?
PAOK are very strong at home, have shown solid defensive form, and will be boosted by their passionate supporters at Stadio Toumbas.
4.Who are the key players to watch?
For PAOK, Andrija Živković is the creative spark in attack. For Rijeka, Niko Janković is the danger man, especially on counter-attacks.
5.What is the predicted score for the second leg?
The forecast suggests a 2–1 win for PAOK, which could send the tie into extra time depending on aggregate rules.