Egypt international Amr Warda was PAOK Thessaloniki’s hero as they played out a 1-1 draw at Benfica in Tuesday’s Champions League first leg play-offs.
Warda rifled from close range past goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos after Fernando Varela’s header off Dimitris Pelkas’ free-kick had kissed the crossbar.
Pizzi had given the hosts the lead from the penalty spot after Jonas was fouled by Maurício on the stroke of half time.
Benfica continued their dominance in the second half before manager Razvan Lucescu threw the Egyptian into the fray for Dimitrios Limnios.
In the 67th minute, Warda had a clear-cut chance to level scores but his effort went over the cross bar despite having just Vlachodimos to beat.