English:
Celta Vigo Secures Advantage in Thessaloniki Against PAOK
Thessaloniki, Greece – Celta Vigo secured a valuable victory at the Toumba Stadium against PAOK in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 32. In a match played on February 19, 2026, the Galician team showed decisiveness in front of goal, despite having less ball possession, with 44% compared to PAOK’s 56%.
Iago Aspas opened the scoring in the 34th minute, capitalizing on an assist from M. Roman. Shortly before halftime, W. Swedberg extended Celta Vigo’s lead, once again assisted by an inspired Aspas. Celta Vigo dominated the first half with remarkable efficiency in attack, demonstrating their ability to create danger with each approach to the opponent’s area.
In the second half, PAOK tried to react and managed to reduce the deficit in the 77th minute thanks to a goal by A. Jeremejeff, assisted by A. Zivkovic. However, Celta Vigo’s defense managed to contain the final onslaughts of the Greek team.
The match was marked by intensity, reflected in the yellow cards shown to H. Alvarez and J. Rueda for Celta Vigo, and to A. Zivkovic for PAOK. Although PAOK dominated possession and generated 3 corner kicks, Celta Vigo proved to be more effective in attack, with 10 total shots, 9 of which were on target. Slovakian referee Ivan Kružliak controlled the game in a vibrant atmosphere at the Toumba Stadium. Celta Vigo returns home with a crucial advantage for the second leg.
Substitutions celta vigo: at minute 61 O. Mingueza came in and J. Rueda went out., at minute 61 B. Iglesias came in and F. Jutgla went out., at minute 65 W. Swedberg came in and H. Alvarez went out., at minute 65 I. Aspas came in and F. Lopez went out., at minute 86 M. Roman came in and M. Vecino went out.
Substitutions paok: at minute 67 A. Vogliacco came in and G. Michailidis went out., at minute 67 M. Camara came in and D. Chatsidis went out., at minute 67 G. Taylor came in and A. R. Baba went out.
The teams lined up as follows:
PAOK
Titulares:
Celta Vigo
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