The Lille vs PAOK fixture in the UEFA Europa League was circled on the calendar as a crucial match, but no one could have predicted the sheer, unadulterated chaos that unfolded at the Decathlon Arena – Stade Pierre-Mauroy. In what will undoubtedly be remembered as a match-of-the-season contender, PAOK Thessaloniki secured a stunning 4-3 away victory over Lille in a seven-goal thriller that swung back and forth with relentless intensity.
From a position of absolute dominance to desperately clinging on for the final whistle, PAOK provided a narrative of two halves. For Lille, it was a display of incredible heart that ultimately ended in agonizing defeat, snapping their perfect start to the group stage. This match, held on matchday three, was a whirlwind of clinical finishing, defensive fragility, and breathtaking drama.
So much drama. 🍿#UEL pic.twitter.com/GIxI167Lcj
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) October 23, 2025
PAOK’s First-Half Blitz Stuns the Decathlon Arena
From the opening whistle, the Lille vs PAOK encounter promised an open, attacking game, but it was the visitors who landed every punch. Lille, known for their solid structure, looked uncharacteristically vulnerable, and PAOK capitalized with ruthless efficiency.
The scoring floodgates opened in the 18th minute. A swift, incisive move from the Greek side carved open the Lille defence, finding Soualiho Meïté, who made no mistake, silencing the home crowd and putting PAOK 1-0 up.
Before Lille could even process the setback, PAOK struck again. Just five minutes later, in the 23rd minute, it was Andrija Živković who found the back of the net. The Serbian international, a constant threat throughout the evening, finished off another well-worked attack, doubling the advantage and leaving the French side completely shell-shocked.
Lille manager Paulo Fonseca looked on in disbelief as his team struggled to find any rhythm. PAOK, sensing blood, continued to press. Their dominance was cemented just before the halftime whistle. In the 42nd minute, the talented Giannis Konstantelias added a third, capping off a dream first half for the visitors. As the teams headed into the tunnel, PAOK held a seemingly unassailable 3-0 lead, and the match looked all but over.
Lille’s Furious Comeback Falls Agonizingly Short
Whatever was said in the home dressing room at halftime clearly worked. Lille emerged for the second half a completely different team, playing with the desperation and quality expected of them.
The comeback began in the 57th minute. Veteran midfielder Benjamin André led by example, finding space to power a shot past the PAOK keeper. The goal ignited the crowd and, more importantly, instilled belief in the Lille players. It was 3-1, and suddenly, the game was on.
The momentum shifted entirely. Lille laid siege to the PAOK goal, and the pressure paid off again. In the 68th minute, Hamza Igaamane reduced the deficit further. The stadium erupted as the score ticked to 3-2. PAOK, who had been cruising, were now desperately trying to stop the bleeding.
Živković’s Dagger: The Goal That Changed Everything
As Lille pushed everyone forward in search of an equalizer, the Lille vs PAOK narrative took another dramatic twist. Just as the comeback seemed inevitable, PAOK reminded everyone of their first-half potency.
Against the run of play, Andrija Živković found himself in a dangerous position in the 74th minute. With ice in his veins, he fired home his second goal of the night, restoring PAOK’s two-goal cushion. It was a potential knockout blow, making it 4-2 and sucking the air out of the stadium.
One Last Fight
To their immense credit, Lille refused to die. Just four minutes after Živković’s goal, Hamza Igaamane grabbed his own brace in the 78th minute, making it 4-3. The final 12 minutes, plus stoppage time, were a frantic, end-to-end battle. Lille threw everything they had at the PAOK defence, but the Greek side held firm, surviving a final onslaught to claim a historic victory.
What This Result Means for the Group
This chaotic Lille vs PAOK result has blown the group wide open. For Lille, it’s a brutal end to their perfect start. They remain on 6 points after three matches, missing a vital opportunity to solidify their place at the top.
For PAOK, this is a monumental win. After a mixed start to their campaign, securing three points on the road against the group favorites moves them to 4 points (based on the overall standings showing a pre-match record of 1 draw and 1 loss). This victory catapults them right back into the heart of the qualification battle.
This seven-goal classic was more than just a match; it was a statement. It showcased PAOK’s lethal attacking power and Lille’s incredible resilience. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the return fixture in Thessaloniki is now one of the most anticipated matches of the Europa League group stage.
