UEFA Champions League play-off: Schalke draw 1-1 against PAOK FC

Berlin, Aug 22 (IANS)

Schalke’s teammates celebrate scoring during the UEFA Champions League play-off first leg football match Schalke 04 vs Greece’s PAOK Salonika in Gelsenkirchen, western Germany on August 21, 2013. (PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images)

Miroslav Stoch shocked Schalke with his late equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw for Greek side PAOK at the UEFA Champions League first leg qualifier.

The hosts Schalke took over the reins from kick-off meanwhile PAOK defended deep to lurk for counter-attacks. The Royal Blues let the ball do the work but were unable to convert their possession into a tangible reward Wednesday, reports Xinhua.

With 32 minutes into the game, Schalke were finally able to break the deadlock on home soil when Jefferson Farfan curled home into the bottom left following the assistance by new arrival Adam Szalai. Both teams continued to work out opportunities but all attempts remained short on accuracy before halftime.

Things changed in the second half as Schalke seemed content with the neat lead to hand over control to the visitors from Greece. Schalke were punished for their laxness when PAOKs Stoch had all time and space to hammer home from 20 metres into the bottom right, flabbergasting the hosts.

Schalke frenetically tried to restore the lead but Benedikt Hoewedes squandered the best and last chance against rushing PAOK goalkeeper Jacobo Sanz Ovejero just before the end of the match.

“I am satisfied with the first half although it is upsetting that they equalised with their first shot on target. The result is less than ideal,” Schalke coach Jens Keller said.