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German giants Schalke had the privilege of hosting PAOK today in the first leg of the Champions League playoff series. The home side were definitely favorite to win this one, but they had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Fenerbahce‘s left winger Miroslav Stoch has been loaned out to the Greek side for the season, and he was expected to make one of the biggest impacts in today’s match. He did exactly just that when he equalized in the second half to answer Jefferson Farfan‘s first half opener.

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The home side were thought to be able to win this easily by as many as two or even three goals, but being unable to finish in front of the frame always comes back to bite home sides in the end. The opponents just recorded a dream result on the road, regardless of what happens at home in Greece in next week.

PAOK’s winger Miroslav Stoch scored the only goal of the game for Greeks, and it is one he should definitely remember.

Fenerbahce are the side that owns his signature, and they thought that he was not good enough to stay on the team this season. The arrival of Emmanuel Emenike and the decent form of other players would make it hard for him to play.

Well, he certainly sent them a nice message by scoring against a powerhouse such as Schalke.

Fener could have used him today as they were lacking an explosive player anywhere on the field in a 3-0 home loss to Arsenal. Stoch could have given the Gunners a headache and maybe even could have netted a goal or two.

Anyways, Stoch could now play an even bigger part next week at home when PAOK welcome the German side in the second leg of this playoff series. With a draw in Germany, they could perhaps pull off an unlikely win and advance to the groups of the Champions League.