Article by Aurelian Botezatu – Published Friday, January 23, 2026, 07:43 / Updated Friday, January 23, 2026 07:44
PAOK, the team coached by Răzvan Lucescu, won, 2-0, the match against Betis in the 7th stage of the single group and mathematically ensured its presence in the Europa League play-off.
Betis recorded their first defeat in this edition of the competition on Thursday evening, and the Spanish newspapers write that the Andalusians hit the “tactical wall” built by Răzvan Lucescu in Thessaloniki.
Răzvan Lucescu, praised in Marca
The brand gave the PAOK coach 2 stars, while counterpart Manuel Pellegrini received just one, and praised him for bringing on Konstantelias in the 54th minute: “The truth is that the entry of the 22-year-old Greek attacking midfielder completely transformed PAOK's gameThe Greeks then scored through Zivkovic (min. 67) and Giaskoumakis (min. 86, penalty).
AS, in turn, wrote that at one point, towards the end of the first half, “Betis became predictable. Neither Fornals nor Deossa managed to level the game, only the occasional diagonal runs of Ortiz somewhat disturbed Răzvan Lucescu's perfectly designed tactical system“.
Răzvan Lucescu at the press conference: “The coach is always under tension”
After the final whistle, at the press conference, Răzvan Lucescu pointed out: “The coach cannot have too much confidence in himself, he is always under tension. He must work and foresee the danger of the next matches.
The danger comes from too much confidence or from the opponent, who has quality and characteristics. On the other hand, the coach must fully understand the team's perspective and capabilities.”
Răzvan Lucescu: “You know my opinion well. We are halfway through the season”
The PAOK coach was also asked if the current team can go further in the competition than the previous ones he coached at PAOK. “You know my opinion very well. We have to focus on the next game. We are halfway through the season, it is a difficult season.
Many factors and details play a role, let's not make plans. The details, if they are on your side, if they favor you, give the team confidence, strength and experience”, said Lucescu jr.
In the last leg, on January 29, PAOK plays in Lyon, against the league leader. In order to have a chance at the direct qualification in the “eighties”, Răzvan must definitely triumph in front of Olympique. At the moment they are 2 points away from 8th place, the last one that ensures direct qualification.
Up-to-date standings in the Europa League
