Chalov boosts PAOK with late goal in Riga Europa League clash
In the fifth round of the Europa League group stage, PAOK’s Russian forward Fedor Chalov stepped onto the stage in Riga with a clear mission to prove his class in continental play. The match, contested at the Daugava Stadium, saw Chalov strike in the 59th minute, finishing a well-worked sequence that began with Kirill Despodov delivering a precise ball into the area. The goal marked Chalov’s first in European Cup competition since 2019, when he scored for CSKA Moscow in a fixture against Ludogorets, a milestone that underscored the striker’s enduring capability to find the net at the European level despite a period of adjustment elsewhere. This strike not only gave PAOK a lead but also signaled Chalov’s commitment to making an immediate impact for his new club in a high-stakes tournament setting.
As the second half unfolded, the scoreboard reflected a growing confidence for the Greek side, with PAOK extending their advantage to 2-0. Chalov remained a constant threat, combining with Despodov to pin the Latvian Russian Federation defense deeper and push for a decisive result. The atmosphere in Riga intensified as PAOK pressed forward, displaying the kind of organized attacking play that has become a hallmark of the squad under their European campaign. The 2-0 scoreline through the late stages illustrated a controlled performance, with Chalov contributing to both the goal and the broader tempo of the game as PAOK pursued a convincing win on foreign soil.
Chalov’s transfer to PAOK was formalized on 1 August, a move that opened a fresh chapter after several seasons in Russia. He made his PAOK debut on 13 August in a Champions League fixture, entering European competition for his new club and taking his first steps in a different league’s tactical landscape. Before that debut, the forward endured an 11-match stretch without scoring, a drought that tested his adaptation to new teammates, a new style of play, and the demands of European football. Yet the period also offered an opportunity to adjust, learn the team’s movement patterns, and prepare for impactful performances on the continental stage. The Riga game exemplified the early return of his scoring instinct and his willingness to contribute in meaningful moments for the squad, both in the run of play and in the creating space for teammates.
In May, reports emerged that the French club Marseille had shown interest in Chalov, signaling that European clubs were monitoring his form after the move. According to Transfermarkt, Chalov’s market value was listed at around 12 million euros at that time, a figure that later softened to about 11 million euros as market dynamics shifted. Marseille reportedly discussed the possibilities with PAOK’s representatives, but the talks did not advance to a binding agreement, and Chalov continued his European journey with PAOK. The episode illustrates how a player’s mid-career moves are evaluated not just on immediate results but on longer-term potential and fit within a club’s strategic ambitions for domestic and European competition.
Earlier Chalov addressed the reasons behind his decision to leave CSKA Moscow for Greece, framing the move as a deliberate step to pursue a new challenge in a different football environment. Moving to PAOK presented an opportunity to compete at a high level across Europe, adapt to a fresh tactical setup, and demonstrate his talents in a league known for its fast transitions and direct attacking play. The decision to transition to Greek football reflected a broader goal to grow as a player, test himself against diverse opponents, and contribute to PAOK’s ambitions on multiple fronts. The season to date has highlighted his readiness to embrace change and to translate experience from his time in Russia into meaningful performances abroad, including crucial goals and assists that help shape PAOK’s European narrative.