PAOK came mighty close to an historic win over Tottenham, as the 0-0 draw in their opening game for the Europa League on Thursday does not do them justice.
The Spurs fielded many substitutes, as coach Harry Redknapp clearly had his mind set on the forthcoming game against Liverpool for the Premier League, but PAOK could not take the opportunity to score and win despite the numerous chances they created, particularly in the second half.
The Thessaloniki club did all things right except scoring a goal, while Tottenham must be happy they have managed to come away with a draw from Toumba – that was filled to capacity as ever.
PAOK did score at the 32nd minute, from the penalty spot, but the Serb referee ordered Lino to retake the kick due to the early entry of PAOK defender Pablo Contreras into the box, cutting PAOK’s celebrations short.
Lino missed the target when he retook the penalty, adding to the hosts’ nerves.
The Spurs created few chances, mainly through Roman Pavlyuchenko, and did little to justify their name.
At the other end PAOK left it late in the second half to put pressure on the Carlo Cudicini goal, with the Italian keeper denying the Greeks twice in the last five minutes of the game.
He also had his crossbar to thank for keeping out a Vladan Ivic header in injury time, PAOK’s biggest chance in a rather entertaining game.
In the group's other match, Rubin beat Shamrock Rovers 3-0 away.
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