Man Utd vs PAOK: Match Stats Breakdown - A Detailed Analysis of the Clash
The UEFA Europa League clash between Manchester United and PAOK Saloniki was a tense affair, culminating in a 3-0 victory for the Red Devils. While the final score might suggest a comfortable win, the match was far from a walk in the park for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side. Today, we delve into the key stats that tell the real story of the game, offering a comprehensive breakdown of both team's performances.
Possession and Shots: A Tight Battle
Possession
- Man Utd: 58%
- PAOK: 42%
Despite a slight edge in possession, Man Utd found it difficult to translate this dominance into clear-cut scoring chances. PAOK, playing a compact and disciplined defensive style, effectively stifled the Red Devils' creative play.
Shots
- Man Utd: 19
- PAOK: 7
Man Utd's superior shot count reflects their overall dominance in terms of attacking intent. However, PAOK's disciplined defensive structure limited the quality of those chances, with many being blocked or going wide.
Goals: A Tale of Two Halves
Man Utd Goals
- 1st Half: 1 (Anthony Martial)
- 2nd Half: 2 (Scott McTominay, Romelu Lukaku)
The first half was a closely contested affair, with Man Utd taking the lead thanks to Anthony Martial's well-taken finish. However, the second half saw the Red Devils dominate, scoring two goals in quick succession to secure their victory.
PAOK Goals
- 1st Half: 0
- 2nd Half: 0
PAOK struggled to find their rhythm in attack, especially against a determined Man Utd defense. While they managed a few half-chances, their inability to convert them proved costly in the end.
Key Players: Impact and Influence
Man Utd
- Anthony Martial: The Frenchman opened the scoring with a clinical finish, showcasing his technical ability and attacking instincts.
- Scott McTominay: The young midfielder was instrumental in dictating the tempo of the game, providing the crucial second goal. His energy and commitment were evident throughout the match.
- David De Gea: The Spanish goalkeeper made several crucial saves, denying PAOK any chance of getting back into the game.
PAOK
- Fernando Varela: The experienced defender stood firm against the Man Utd attack, making several vital tackles and blocks.
- Dimitris Limnios: The young winger offered a glimmer of attacking threat for PAOK, creating several chances and keeping the Man Utd defense on their toes.
Conclusion: A Hard-Fought Win for Man Utd
The Man Utd vs PAOK match was a study in contrasts, with the Red Devils showcasing their attacking prowess while PAOK demonstrated a staunch defensive spirit. While the final scoreline may have been comfortable for Man Utd, the game was far from one-sided. The stats highlight the tight nature of the contest, revealing the challenges both teams faced in a match characterized by contrasting styles.