Aberdeen's European aspirations suffered a devastating blow at Pittodrie as Greek Super League contenders PAOK delivered a commanding 3-0 victory in their UEFA Conference League playoff first leg clash.
Early Setback Rocks Dons
The home side's hopes were dealt a crushing blow within just 22 minutes when Brazilian defender William Soares powered home a header from a perfectly delivered corner, silencing the Pittodrie faithful.
Greek Dominance Continues
PAOK doubled their advantage shortly after the hour mark through substitute Mbwana Samatta, before Swedish midfielder Thomas Murg compounded Aberdeen's misery with a clinical third goal in the dying moments.
The comprehensive defeat leaves Barry Robson's side with a mountain to climb ahead of next week's return leg in Thessaloniki, where they'll need nothing short of a footballing miracle to keep their European campaign alive.
Tactical Battle Goes to Visitors
The Greek side demonstrated their European pedigree throughout the encounter, controlling possession and capitalising on defensive vulnerabilities in the Aberdeen backline. Despite moments of promise from the home side, PAOK's quality ultimately proved decisive.
With the Dons now requiring an unprecedented comeback in Greece, questions will inevitably be asked about their ability to compete at this level of European competition.
