Stoch strike earns Schalke draw for PAOK
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E-mail Xinhua, August 22, 2013
Miroslav Stoch shocked Schalke with his late equalizer to secure a 1-1 draw for Greek side PAOK at the UEFA Champions League first leg qualifier on Wednesday.
The hosts 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 yet they were unable to convert their possession into a tangible reward.
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 they attempts remained short on accuracy before the halftime.
Things changed at the second half as Schalke seemed content with the neat lead to hand over control to the visitors from Greece. Thus, Schalke were punished for their laxness when PAOKs Miroslav Stoch had all time and space to hammer home from 20 meters into the bottom right, flabbergasting the hosts.
Schalke frenetically tried to restore the lead but Benedikt Hoewedes squandered the best and last chance against onrushing 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 equalize with their first shot on target. The result is less than ideal," Schalke coach Jens Keller said.
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