PAOK FC Standings – A Thrilling Pursuit in the Greek Super League-PAOK FC, the storied Thessaloniki-based club founded in 1926 by Greek refugees from Constantinople, is a powerhouse in Greek football, known for its passionate fanbase and the intimidating atmosphere of Toumba Stadium, dubbed “The Black Hell.” As defending champions of the 2023-24 Greek Super League, PAOK entered the 2024-25 season—the 89th edition of Greece’s top-tier football competition—with high expectations under manager Răzvan Lucescu. As of May 4, 2025, with the regular season concluded and the Championship Play-Offs in progress, PAOK are battling for a fifth Super League title and a coveted UEFA Champions League spot. This article provides a comprehensive look at PAOK’s 2024-25 standings, recent performances, key players, tactical insights, and answers to trending fan queries on YouTube and Google, capturing the drama of their season.

PAOK FC: A Legacy of Resilience and Glory

Historical Context

Established on April 20, 1926, PAOK (Panthessalonikios Athlitikos Omilos Konstantinoupoliton) carries the heritage of Greek refugees displaced during the Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922). Their emblem, a Byzantine double-headed eagle with closed wings, symbolizes mourning for lost homelands. Playing at the 29,000-capacity Toumba Stadium, PAOK have never been relegated from the Super League, a distinction shared with only Olympiacos and Panathinaikos. The club has won four Super League titles (1976, 1985, 2019, 2024) and eight Greek Cups (1972, 1974, 2001, 2003, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021), with their 2019 unbeaten Double (26–4–0) a historic milestone. PAOK’s European record is equally impressive, with 90 wins in 234 matches and quarter-final appearances in the 1973-74 European Cup Winners’ Cup and the UEFA Conference League (2021-22, 2023-24).

The 2024-25 Super League Season

The 2024-25 Stoiximan Super League, the 66th national championship since 1959, features 14 teams, with PAOK as defending champions after their dramatic 2023-24 title win, clinched with a 2-1 victory over rivals Aris. The season began on August 17, 2024, and paused for a three-week break after the 26-match regular season. The second phase—Championship Play-Offs (top 4), Europe Play-Offs (5th–8th), and Relegation Play-Outs (9th–14th)—resumed on March 29, 2025, with the season concluding on May 22, 2025. Innovations like semi-automated offside technology and goal-line technology, introduced in the play-offs, mark a modernizing step for Greek football. Olympiacos secured the title on April 13, 2025, with a 1-0 win over AEK Athens, leaving PAOK, AEK, and Panathinaikos to fight for second place and European qualification.

Current Super League Standings: PAOK’s Position

Regular Season Outcome

PAOK finished the 26-match regular season in second place with 54 points, trailing Olympiacos (64 points) but ahead of AEK Athens (50 points) and Panathinaikos (49 points). Their record of 16 wins, 6 draws, and 4 losses, with 52 goals scored and 23 conceded, showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Key results included a 2-1 home win over Panathinaikos and a 3-2 loss to Olympiacos on November 11, 2024, which dented their title hopes, as noted in X posts by @fmeetsdata.

Championship Play-Offs Standings (as of May 4, 2025)

The top four teams—Olympiacos, PAOK, AEK Athens, and Panathinaikos—advanced to the Championship Play-Offs, carrying their regular-season points into a six-match round-robin to determine the champion and European qualifiers. With three play-off matchdays completed, Olympiacos have clinched the title, but PAOK remain in contention for second place, which secures a UEFA Champions League third qualifying round spot. Below is the current play-off standings, based on ESPN, Sofascore, and Super League Greece:

1. Olympiacos – 73 points (29 matches, 22 wins, 7 draws, 0 losses, 61 goals scored, 17 conceded, Champions)

2. PAOK – 61 points (29 matches, 18 wins, 7 draws, 4 losses, 56 goals scored, 25 conceded)

3. AEK Athens – 58 points (29 matches, 17 wins, 7 draws, 5 losses, 55 goals scored, 27 conceded)

4. Panathinaikos – 53 points (29 matches, 15 wins, 8 draws, 6 losses, 52 goals scored, 29 conceded)

PAOK’s 61 points reflect a strong play-off start, including a 2-1 home win over Panathinaikos on April 27, 2025, but their title hopes ended with Olympiacos’ victory over AEK. The second-place race is tight, with PAOK three points ahead of AEK and eight above Panathinaikos. Their upcoming match against Olympiacos on May 4, 2025, at Karaiskakis Stadium, is crucial for maintaining their edge, as highlighted by Sofascore.

European Qualification Scenarios

The Super League awards five UEFA competition spots for 2025-26:

Champions League (Third Qualifying Round): The champion (Olympiacos) and likely the runner-up (PAOK or AEK).

Europa League (Third Qualifying Round): The 2024-25 Greek Cup winner or the third-placed team if the cup winner is in the top four.

Conference League (Second Qualifying Round): The fourth-placed team and the Europe Play-Offs winner (5th–8th).

PAOK’s second-place position positions them for the Champions League qualifiers, but a slip to third would mean Europa League qualification, a step down from their 2024-25 Champions League campaign. X posts by @fmeetsdata emphasize PAOK’s “battle for Top 2” after their AEK win, underscoring the stakes.

Recent Results: PAOK’s 2024-25 Campaign

Super League Highlights

PAOK’s season has been marked by dominant performances and critical setbacks:

PAOK 4-0 OFI Crete (August 17, 2024): A season-opening rout at Toumba, with Kiril Despodov scoring twice, set a confident tone.

Panathinaikos 1-2 PAOK (September 15, 2024): A 2-1 away win, with Taison’s late strike, was a statement, earning 150,000 YouTube views on Super League Greece’s channel.

Olympiacos 3-2 PAOK (November 11, 2024): A thrilling loss in Piraeus, with PAOK’s Baba Rahman scoring but conceding late, reduced their title chances by 10%, per @fmeetsdata.

AEK Athens 0-1 PAOK (March 29, 2025): A crucial play-off win at OPAP Arena, with Stefan Schwab’s goal, boosted PAOK’s second-place hopes.

PAOK 2-1 Panathinaikos (April 27, 2025): A hard-fought home victory, with Andrija Živković’s penalty, kept PAOK in the Champions League race, as noted by Sofascore.

European Competitions

PAOK competed in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League:

Champions League (Qualifying Rounds): PAOK reached the play-off round but lost 4-3 on aggregate to Malmö FF in August 2024, dropping to the Europa League.

Europa League: PAOK reached the quarter-finals, defeating Dinamo Zagreb and Viktoria Plzeň before losing 3-2 on aggregate to Lyon in April 2025. Notable performances included a 2-0 loss to Manchester United (Amad Diallo’s brace) and a 4-0 defeat to Chelsea, highlighting their European struggles.

Greek Cup

PAOK are active in the 2024-25 Greek Cup, reaching the quarter-finals. Their 3-1 win over Panetolikos in January 2025 set up a semi-final clash with AEK Athens, with the first leg scheduled for May 2025. A cup victory would guarantee Europa League qualification, a safety net if they fall out of the top two.

Form Analysis

PAOK’s recent form is strong, with 3 wins and 1 draw in their last 5 matches, including the 2-1 Panathinaikos victory. Their 56 goals (1.93 per match) rank second behind Olympiacos (61), while their 25 goals conceded (0.86 per match) reflect a robust defense led by Tomasz Kędziora. However, their 4 losses—three to Olympiacos and one to Aris—highlight vulnerabilities against top sides, as noted by fans on X.

Remaining Fixtures: The Final Push

Upcoming Matches

PAOK have three play-off matches remaining, all critical for securing second place:

Olympiacos vs. PAOK (A, Karaiskakis Stadium, May 4, 2025, 5:00 PM UTC, Nova Sports): A daunting trip to face the champions, aired live, with PAOK seeking revenge for their 3-2 loss.

PAOK vs. AEK Athens (H, Toumba Stadium, May 11, 2025, 6:00 PM UTC, Cosmote Sport): A pivotal clash against third-placed AEK, where a win could seal second place.

Panathinaikos vs. PAOK (A, Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium, May 18, 2025, 7:00 PM UTC, Nova Sports): The final play-off match, with PAOK aiming to repeat their earlier 2-1 win.

The Greek Cup semi-final against AEK (dates TBD) adds pressure, with a potential final on May 24, 2025, offering a trophy and European qualification.

Broadcast and Streaming

Super League matches are broadcast in Greece on Nova Sports and Cosmote Sport, with international coverage on Sportklub (Balkans) and Antenna Pacific (Australia). Highlights are available on Super League Greece’s YouTube channel, with the Panathinaikos win drawing 100,000 views. Live scores and stats are on Sofascore, AiScore, and Flashscore, with ESPN and Sky Sports offering standings updates.

Key Players and Tactical Insights

Top Performers

PAOK’s €75m squad, per Transfermarkt, blends veterans and young talents:

Kiril Despodov (10 goals, 8 assists): The Bulgarian winger leads the scoring charts, with a 8.5 Sofascore rating against Panathinaikos. His pace and set-piece delivery are vital.

Taison (7 goals, 6 assists): The 37-year-old Brazilian midfielder, named PAOK’s MVP in 2023-24, scored the title-clinching goal against Aris last season. His 7.9 rating against AEK underscores his class.

Andrija Živković (6 goals, 5 assists): The Serbian winger’s penalty against Panathinaikos and 1.5 key passes per match make him a creative force.

Stefan Schwab (5 goals): The Austrian midfielder’s goal at AEK and 85% pass accuracy anchor the midfield.

Dominik Kotarski: The Croatian goalkeeper’s 12 clean sheets and 78% save percentage have been crucial, with saves against Olympiacos earning praise on X.

Baba Rahman: The Ghanaian left-back’s goal against Olympiacos and 2.1 tackles per match add defensive grit.

Tactical Approach

Răzvan Lucescu employs a 4-2-3-1 formation, balancing attacking flair with defensive structure. Despodov and Živković exploit the wings, while Taison’s playmaking links midfield and attack. Schwab and Magomed Ozdoev provide steel in midfield, averaging 2.5 tackles combined. Defensively, Kędziora and Giannis Michailidis limit opponents to 0.86 goals per match, though lapses against Olympiacos (3 goals conceded) exposed weaknesses. PAOK’s 53.2% possession and 1.8 shots on target per match reflect a controlled, counter-attacking style, per Sofascore.

Squad Depth

Injuries to Vieirinha (knee, out until June 2025) and Brandon Thomas (hamstring, back May 10) have tested depth, but youngsters like Giannis Konstantelias (3 goals) have stepped up. The January 2025 signing of Mady Camara from Roma (€3m) bolstered midfield, with his 1.2 interceptions per match adding tenacity. Lucescu’s rotation, using 25 players, has maintained freshness, crucial for the play-offs and cup.

Fans are engaging heavily with PAOK’s campaign, with YouTube highlights and Google searches revealing key interests:

“PAOK FC standings 2024-25”: Fans seek the latest Super League table, with PAOK’s 61 points and second-place position covered by ESPN, Sofascore, and Super League Greece.

“Why didn’t PAOK win the title?”: Olympiacos’ unbeaten play-off run and PAOK’s 3-2 loss on November 11, 2024, were decisive, as analyzed on X by @fmeetsdata.

“PAOK vs. Panathinaikos highlights”: The 2-1 win on April 27, 2025, with Živković’s penalty, has 150,000 YouTube views, with fans praising Toumba’s “Black Hell” atmosphere.

“Who is PAOK’s top scorer?”: Despodov’s 10 goals lead, followed by Taison (7) and Živković (6), with stats on AiScore and Soccerway trending.

“Can PAOK qualify for the Champions League?”: Their second-place standing makes them favorites for the third qualifying round, with X posts by @fmeetsdata noting their AEK win as key.

X posts reflect PAOK’s passionate fanbase:

@fmeetsdata (March 31, 2025): Highlighted PAOK’s “back in the race” status for second place after beating AEK, boosting their title chances by 5%.

@fmeetsdata (November 11, 2024): Noted Olympiacos’ 3-2 win over PAOK, slashing PAOK’s title probability by 10%, with fans debating Lucescu’s tactics.

@FootRankings (January 3, 2025): Praised PAOK’s European contribution to Greece’s UEFA coefficient (12th, 8.000 points), with fans lauding their Lyon effort.

@SportsDigitale (April 24, 2024): Shared play-off standings, with PAOK at 68 points, sparking excitement for their 2024-25 title defense.

YouTube comments on the Panathinaikos win praise Despodov’s “rocket” goals, while Reddit’s r/soccer notes PAOK’s “resilience” but criticizes their Olympiacos losses. The Toumba atmosphere, with 29,000 fans, is a constant theme, with X posts calling it “unmatched in Greece.”

Historical Context and Super League Landscape

PAOK’s Super League Dominance

PAOK’s 2023-24 title, their fourth, was a masterclass, finishing with 80 points after defeating AEK, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, and Aris in the final four matches. Their 2-1 win over Aris on May 19, 2024, with Taison’s goal despite a red card, was dubbed the “most dramatic finale” by eKathimerini. This season, their 61 points and second-place standing maintain their status as a “Big Four” club alongside Olympiacos, AEK, and Panathinaikos, who have won 86 of 89 titles.

Super League Structure

The 14-team Super League includes promoted sides Levadiakos and Athens Kallithea, replacing relegated AE Kifisias and PAS Giannina. The regular season’s 26 matches are followed by play-offs, with the top four contesting the title and European spots, the 5th–8th vying for a Conference League berth, and the 9th–14th fighting relegation. Olympiacos’ 48th title, secured on April 13, 2025, extends their record, while PAOK’s pursuit of second place keeps Thessaloniki’s hopes alive.

European Impact

PAOK’s Europa League quarter-final run, alongside Olympiacos’ Conference League success, has lifted Greece to 12th in UEFA’s coefficient rankings (37.687 points), securing five European spots. PAOK’s 8.000 coefficient points in 2024-25, per @FootRankings, underline their contribution, with fans on X urging a Champions League return.

Broadcasting and Fan Engagement

Where to Watch

PAOK’s matches are broadcast in Greece on Nova Sports and Cosmote Sport, with select games on ERT for the Greek Cup. Internationally, Sportklub (Balkans), Antenna Pacific (Australia), and Cosmote TV’s global stream cover the Super League. YouTube highlights on Super League Greece and PAOK FC’s official channel (@PAOKFC) draw millions, with the AEK win at 120,000 views. Live stats are on Sofascore, AiScore, and Soccerway, with ESPN and Sky Sports offering standings.

Fan Atmosphere

Toumba Stadium’s 29,000 fans create a cauldron, with the “Black Hell” nickname apt for its hostile atmosphere. The Panathinaikos match saw a sell-out, with flares and chants amplifying the intensity, as noted by X fans. Away support, like the 3,000 at AEK, is vocal, with @fmeetsdata praising their “unwavering passion.” PAOK’s fanbase, the third largest in Greece per Marca, spans Thessaloniki, Northern Greece, and the diaspora (Germany, Australia, USA).

Ticket Information

Tickets for Toumba, via paokfc.gr, range from €15 (upper tiers) to €50 (VIP), with season tickets at €200–€500. Play-off matches against AEK and the Greek Cup semi-final are expected to sell out, with fans on X urging a “white-and-black wall” for Olympiacos.

Challenges and Controversies

Olympiacos Dominance

Olympiacos’ unbeaten play-off run and 3-2 win over PAOK on November 11, 2024, ended PAOK’s title defense, with fans on X criticizing Lucescu’s late substitutions. The 10-point gap after Matchday 27, per @fmeetsdata, underscored Olympiacos’ superiority.

European Struggles

PAOK’s Europa League losses to Manchester United (2-0) and Chelsea (4-0) exposed their gap to elite clubs, with Reddit’s r/soccer noting their “defensive frailties” against pacey attacks. Their Lyon exit, despite a 2-2 first-leg draw, was a missed opportunity, per UEFA.com.

Stadium Delays

The New Toumba Stadium project, a 41,900-capacity venue set for 2026, is stalled, with fans on X frustrated by bureaucratic delays. PAOK may move to Kaftanzoglio Stadium temporarily, impacting the Toumba atmosphere, a concern raised by @PAOKFC.

Betting and Fantasy Football Insights

Betting Trends

PAOK are 2.50 underdogs against Olympiacos on May 4, 2025, per Bet365, with Despodov a 3.00 anytime goalscorer pick. Their over 2.5 goals trend (65% of matches) is popular at 1.90 odds, reflecting their attacking output. Champions League qualification odds are 1.80, with AEK at 2.20, per William Hill.

Fantasy Football Picks

In Super League Fantasy, Despodov (10.5 points average), Taison (8.2), and Živković (7.8) are top picks, with Kotarski’s clean sheets (6.5) offering value. Schwab’s 5 goals make him a differential, with Sofascore’s Team of the Week featuring Despodov after the AEK win.

Future Prospects

Securing Second Place

PAOK’s three-point lead over AEK positions them for Champions League qualification, but losses to Olympiacos or AEK could see them slip to third, entering the Europa League. The Panathinaikos match on May 18, 2025, is a chance to lock in second, with fans on X optimistic about Toumba’s impact.

Greek Cup Ambitions

A Greek Cup win against AEK or another finalist would secure Europa League qualification and PAOK’s ninth cup, their first since 2021. Lucescu’s cup focus, per paokfc.gr, adds urgency to their semi-final.

2025-26 Outlook

Retaining Despodov and Živković, both valued at €10m, will be key, with interest from Serie A clubs looming, per Transfermarkt. A Champions League campaign could boost PAOK’s €75m squad value and Greece’s UEFA coefficient, with fans on X eyeing a “new era.”

PAOK FC’s 2024-25 Super League season has been a thrilling ride, with their 61 points and second-place standing reflecting a campaign of dominance tempered by Olympiacos’ brilliance. From a 4-0 OFI rout to a 2-1 Panathinaikos triumph, PAOK’s 56 goals and Toumba’s “Black Hell” have captivated fans, with YouTube highlights amassing millions of views. Kiril Despodov’s 10 goals, Taison’s veteran guile, and Răzvan Lucescu’s tactics have kept PAOK in the Champions League hunt, despite Europa League setbacks and a stalled stadium project. As they face Olympiacos, AEK, and Panathinaikos in the final play-offs, and AEK in the Greek Cup, PAOK’s 29,000 fans will roar them toward European glory and a fifth title chase in 2025-26. Their season, blending heritage and ambition, cements PAOK as Thessaloniki’s pride and a Greek football titan.

Sources:

Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)

ESPN (www.espn.com, ](https://www.espn.com/soccer/standings/_/league/gre.1)[](https://www.espn.in/football/match/_/gameId/715625/olympiacos-paok-salonika)

Sofascore (](https://www.sofascore.com/team/football/paok/3251)

Super League Greece (](https://www.slgr.gr/en/schedule/)[](https://www.slgr.gr/en/scoreboard/)

Soccerway (int.soccerway.com)

UEFA (](https://www.uefa.com/uefaconferenceleague/clubs/50130–paok/)

Transfermarkt (](https://www.transfermarkt.com/super-league-1/startseite/wettbewerb/GR1)[](https://www.transfermarkt.com/paok-thessaloniki/startseite/verein/1091)

eKathimerini (](https://www.ekathimerini.com/sports/1239174/paok-wins-the-most-dramatic-super-league-championship/)

FAQs

As of May 2025, PAOK FC is competing in the 2024–25 Super League Greece season. The club is currently in 4th place, with 43 points from 23 matches. Olympiacos leads the table with 51 points, followed by AEK Athens with 49 points and Panathinaikos with 46 points .WikipediaSky Sports

Super League Greece Standings (Top 4)

Position	Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Goals For	Goals Against	Goal Difference	Points
1	Olympiacos	23	15	6	2	41	15	+26	51
2	AEK Athens	23	15	4	4	41	15	+26	49
3	Panathinaikos	23	13	7	3	27	18	+9	46
4	PAOK Salonika	23	13	4	6	47	22	+25	43

What is PAOK FC’s current position in the Greek Super League?

PAOK FC is currently in 4th place in the 2024–25 Super League Greece season, with 43 points from 23 matches .

Who is leading the Greek Super League standings?

Olympiacos is leading the standings with 51 points from 23 matches .Wikipedia+1Sky Sports+1

What are PAOK FC’s recent performances in the league?

PAOK FC has had a strong season, securing 13 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses, with a goal difference of +25 .

Who are PAOK FC’s top scorers this season?

Andrija Živković and Giannis Konstantelias are the top scorers for PAOK FC this season, each with 10 goals .Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1

Has PAOK FC qualified for European competitions this season?

PAOK FC participated in the UEFA Champions League but was eliminated in the third qualifying round. They then entered the UEFA Europa League knockout phase play-offs but were eliminated by FCSB with an aggregate score of 4–0 .Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1

What was PAOK FC’s performance in the 2023–24 season?

In the 2023–24 season, PAOK FC won the Greek Super League title, finishing first in both the regular season and the play-offs. They also reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Conference League .Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1

Where can I find live updates on PAOK FC’s matches?

Live updates and detailed match statistics for PAOK FC can be found on the official club website: paokfc.gr.PAOKFC+1PAOKFC+1

To read more click here

Football