PAOK Saloniki Women 2-3 TJ Spartak Myjava Women: Late Winner Settles UEFA EL W Thriller

PAOK Saloniki Women and TJ Spartak Myjava Women produced a five-goal contest in the UEFA EL W on September 23, 2026, with the visitors from Slovakia claiming a dramatic 3-2 victory at 21:00. The match swung back and forth, but a late finish gave Spartak Myjava Women a valuable continental win and left PAOK Saloniki Women to reflect on a narrow home defeat.

Match Overview

Played under the midweek lights, the game began with PAOK Saloniki Women setting the tempo. The Greek side pressed high and looked to use the width of the pitch, while TJ Spartak Myjava Women sat compact and threatened on the counter. That contrast defined much of the first half, and it produced an entertaining, open contest rather than a cagey European night.

PAOK broke the deadlock early through Katerina Gkountoura, whose composed finish capped a bright opening spell. Spartak Myjava responded well, though, and equalised before the half-hour mark when Lucia Hrdličková found space between the centre-backs and converted from close range. The visitors then edged ahead after the break, only for PAOK to pull level again. Just when the match looked destined for a draw, Spartak Myjava found the decisive goal late on.

Key Moments

• 12th minute: PAOK Saloniki Women open the scoring through Katerina Gkountoura after a quick move down the right.
• 28th minute: TJ Spartak Myjava Women equalise as Lucia Hrdličková finishes calmly inside the penalty area.
• 54th minute: Spartak Myjava take the lead for the first time, with Veronika Kováčová striking from the edge of the box.
• 73rd minute: PAOK respond again, Maria Paterna heading home from a corner to make it 2-2.
• 88th minute: Petra Šimková scores the winner for Spartak Myjava, converting a late counter-attack.

Tactical Story

PAOK Saloniki Women lined up with an aggressive 4-3-3, looking to overwhelm their opponents in wide areas. Their full-backs pushed high, and the midfield trio tried to recycle possession quickly. It worked well in the opening stages, but it also left space behind for Spartak Myjava to exploit.

TJ Spartak Myjava Women were happy to defend in a mid-block and spring forward with purpose. Their transitions were sharp, and the front three repeatedly isolated PAOK’s centre-backs. The Slovak side’s willingness to shoot from distance also kept the home goalkeeper busy. In the end, that directness and efficiency in front of goal proved the difference.

Standout Players

For PAOK, Katerina Gkountoura was the most dangerous attacker, scoring the opener and constantly testing the Spartak Myjava defence. Maria Paterna also impressed with her aerial threat and equalising goal. In midfield, Eleni Kotsaki worked tirelessly to link play.

Spartak Myjava’s hero was Petra Šimková, whose late winner capped a strong all-round display. Lucia Hrdličková and Veronika Kováčová also delivered key contributions, while goalkeeper Andrea Bartošová made important saves to keep her side level during PAOK’s best spells.

What the Result Means

The 3-2 win gives TJ Spartak Myjava Women a major boost in the UEFA EL W, strengthening their position ahead of the next round of fixtures. For PAOK Saloniki Women, the defeat is a frustrating one, especially after twice fighting back to level the score. The Greek side showed plenty of attacking quality, but defensive lapses and an inability to manage the final minutes proved costly.

Both teams will take lessons from a match that delivered five goals, momentum swings, and a late decisive moment. Spartak Myjava Women leave with the points, while PAOK Saloniki Women will look to respond quickly in their next European outing.