PAOK Saloniki Women 3-1 Hapoel Jerusalem Women: Greek Side Dominates in UWCL First Qualifying Round

Thessaloniki, Greece — PAOK Saloniki Women kicked off their UEFA Women's Champions League campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory over Hapoel Jerusalem Women at the Stadio Toumbas on July 22, 2026. The Greek champions produced a polished performance in the first qualifying round, demonstrating their European pedigree with controlled possession and clinical finishing.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, PAOK imposed their tempo. The home side pressed high and forced Hapoel into defensive errors. The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when captain Maria Gkatzogianni curled a free kick from 20 yards into the top corner, leaving the Israeli goalkeeper with no chance. Just before halftime, winger Eleni Dimitriou doubled the lead, slotting home after a swift counter-attack.

Hapoel Jerusalem Women, playing in their first UWCL qualifier in club history, showed resilience after the break. In the 58th minute, striker Shira Elbaz pulled one back with a well-taken volley from a corner, briefly threatening a comeback. However, PAOK restored their two-goal cushion in the 74th minute when substitute Vasiliki Pappa tapped in from close range after a goalmouth scramble.

Key Moments

• 23' – Gkatzogianni free kick: A stunning set-piece that set the tone.
• 45+1' – Dimitriou makes it 2-0: A clinical finish off a rapid transition just before the break.
• 58' – Elbaz volley: Gave Hapoel hope with a composed finish.
• 74' – Pappa seals the win: A poacher's goal that killed any momentum.

Tactical Story

PAOK manager Stelios Pantelidis set his team up in a 4-3-3 formation that exploited the flanks. The full-backs pushed high, creating overloads that Hapoel's back line struggled to contain. Hapoel's 4-4-2 tried to stay compact, but PAOK's movement off the ball repeatedly opened gaps. In midfield, Kristina Björk controlled possession, completing 91% of her passes.

Standout Players

• Maria Gkatzogianni (PAOK): Captain, goal scorer, and leader. Her set-piece delivery was a constant threat.
• Shira Elbaz (Hapoel): The lone bright spot for the visitors, working tirelessly alone up front.
• Nadia Kacani (PAOK): Dominant in central defense, winning every aerial duel and initiating attacks.

UWCL Context

This victory places PAOK Saloniki Women one step away from the group stage. They will face the winner of the match between Valerenga and Spartak Myjava in the second qualifying round. For Hapoel Jerusalem, the loss ends their European journey for this season, but the experience will prove valuable for the developing Israeli side.