Alpha News

PAOK: 1% Chance for Round of 8 and Scenarios for Direct Qualification to the '16'

Published January 23, 2026, 07:28

PAOK secured their participation in the continuation of the Europa League after their victory over Betis, while maintaining a small hope for direct qualification to the '16'. According to the Football Meets Data algorithm, the chances are only 1%, but there are scenarios that could lead to this outcome. To qualify directly, PAOK must defeat Lyon in France, which is considered extremely difficult. In addition, at least four of the following six results are required: a victory for Panathinaikos over Roma, a victory for Nottingham over Ferencváros, Feyenoord not losing to Betis, Porto not winning against Rangers, Genk not winning against Malmö, and Red Star not winning against Celta. Furthermore, PAOK must have a better head-to-head record than Stuttgart, Celta, and Bologna, either through victory or through a larger goal difference in the event of a tie. Currently, PAOK has a goal difference of +5, as does Stuttgart, while Celta has +4 and Bologna also +5. PAOK's qualification to the '16' depends on a set of unlikely results, but the victory over Betis keeps the team's hopes alive.