FC Twente Enschede Edge PAOK Saloniki in Pre-Season Thriller

FC Twente Enschede continued their strong pre-season preparations with a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Greek giants PAOK Saloniki on July 11, 2026. The international club friendly, played at De Grolsch Veste, provided an entertaining spectacle for the 12,000 spectators in attendance.

Fast Start for Twente

Twente raced into a two-goal lead inside the first 25 minutes. Winger Daan Rots opened the scoring in the 8th minute, cutting inside from the left and curling a delightful effort into the far corner. Twelve minutes later, striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel doubled the advantage with a poacher’s finish after a goalmouth scramble from a corner. The Enschede side looked sharp and cohesive, testing PAOK’s rearguard with swift transitions.

PAOK Fights Back

PAOK responded before the half-hour mark. Midfielder Giannis Konstantelias capitalised on a defensive lapse, intercepting a loose pass and firing low past Twente goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall. The Greek side grew in confidence and equalised just after the break. A well-worked free-kick routine saw Kiril Despodov whip a delivery to the back post, where Fotis Ioannidis headed home.

Late Winner Decides Contest

Both sides had chances to take the lead, but it was Twente who found the decisive moment. In the 78th minute, substitute Sem Steijn received the ball on the edge of the box, shifted onto his right foot, and unleashed a stunning strike that flew into the top corner. PAOK pushed for a third equaliser, but Twente’s defence held firm.

Key Observations

• Possession: Twente 51% – 49% PAOK
• Shots on target: Twente 7 – PAOK 5
• Attendance: 12,000 (sold out)

Twente head coach Joseph Oosting praised his team’s resilience: “Pre-season is about building fitness and trying things, but winning against a quality side like PAOK gives everyone confidence. The fans saw a great match.” PAOK’s manager Răzvan Lucescu noted his side’s defensive lapses but was encouraged by their attacking threats ahead of the new season.