PAOK Saloniki delivered a stunning performance, thrashing Croatian side Rijeka 5-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League playoff tie at the Toumba Stadium on August 29, 2025. This emphatic victory virtually guarantees the Greek powerhouse a place in the competition's group stage, barring a historic collapse in the return fixture. PAOK were rampant from the start, scoring two early goals to seize control and never looking back. They added a third before halftime and continued their dominance in the second half with two more well-taken strikes. Rijeka were completely overwhelmed and will be left to rue a defensive disasterclass. The massive margin means the second leg in Croatia is now a mere formality, with PAOK's attacking display sending a strong message to their future group stage opponents.