PAOK earned a 2-0 victory over the Latvian side RFS in the fifth round of the Europa League group stage. The match unfolded at the Daugava stadium in Riga, with PAOK shaping the tempo from the outset and never allowing their opponents to settle. The opening goal arrived early, in the second minute, when Kirill Despodov finished a precise pass from Andriy Zivkovich to put the visitors ahead. PAOK kept up the pressure, probing the flanks and creating chances as they controlled the flow of play. The strike that sealed the result came in the 59th minute, when Fedor Chalov converted a cross from Despodov to make it 2-0 and leave Riga spectators silent for the most part of the night.
Chalov’s goal carried extra significance for the Russian forward. It was his first goal in European Cup competitions since 2019, marking a personal milestone after leaving CSKA Moscow. The finish underscored his continued development and his capacity to translate club form into decisive contributions on Europe’s stage. The two goals showcased a budding understanding between Chalov and Despodov, with the latter providing the setup for the opening tally and then assisting the second, demonstrating how their chemistry is becoming a weapon for PAOK on continental nights.
Chalov had joined PAOK on 1 August, and his arrival quickly signaled PAOK’s intent to bolster the attack for European duties. On 13 August, the striker made his PAOK debut in a Champions League contest, signaling his readiness to test himself against high-caliber opposition. In the weeks leading up to that appearance, Chalov endured a goal drought, failing to score in 11 matches, a stretch that many players would hope to snap as soon as possible. The Riga fixture served as a reminder of the potential he brings when match sharpness aligns with form, as he contributed a crucial second goal and helped secure a comfortable win for his team.
In May, reports emerged that French club Marseille had shown interest in Chalov, exploring the possibility of a move. According to Transfermarkt, Chalov was valued at 12 million euros at that time, a figure subsequently adjusted to 11 million euros as market assessments shifted. Marseille’s executives were said to have discussed terms with PAOK’s representatives, but the transfer did not materialize. This sequence highlighted the ongoing interest in Chalov’s services from across Europe and the often fluctuating nature of transfer negotiations, even when a player is delivering impact on the pitch for his current club.
Chalov has previously explained the decision to leave CSKA Moscow for Greece, saying that a change of scenery offered fresh challenges and a new environment to grow as a player. The move reflected a broader trend of players seeking opportunities in different European leagues to broaden their experiences and test themselves against diverse competition. In PAOK, Chalov found a platform to contribute in European competition while adapting to a new culture and style of play. The early-phase success, punctuated by the Riga goal and the evolving partnership with Despodov, suggests that Chalov is carving out a meaningful role in PAOK’s continental campaign.