(Credit: Imago/Getty)

Ciaran Morrison

Thu 21 August 2025 22:01, UK

Aberdeen remain in the tie with FCSB, thanks to a promising first leg display at Pittodrie and a second half comeback.

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After Rangers lost 3-1 to Club Brugge and Celtic only drew 0-0 to Kaizat Almaty in the Champions League, Aberdeen were looking to avoid similar fates for Scottish club’s in Europe.

Defensive vulnerabilities were exposed as FCSB gained a two goal advantage despite going down to ten men in the first half.

Credit: Imago.

Dimitar Mitov – 6

Made one smart save in the second half, but was largely untested throughout the match.

Gavin Molloy (Off for Graeme Shinnie 59?) – 4

The 23-year-old made no impact going forward unlike his fellow full-back Alexander Jensen and was at fault for the second goal.

Jack Milne – 4

A difficult night for the young defender who struggled to contain the FCSB strike force.

Booked for a rash challenge on Gozubuyuk.

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Alfie Dorrington (Mats Knoester 46?) – 4

Did not cover the situation well enough for the goal, there was too big a gap between the centre-back and his full-back Alexander Jensen.

Stayed high when possible which did cause FCSB problems, but also gave them joy when they counter-attacked.

Ante Palaversa – 8

A fine display in the middle of the park from Palaversa, will need to be at his best again next week if Aberdeen are to beat FCSB.

Sivert Heltne Nilsen (Off for Leighton Clarkson 46?) – 6

A solid display in the first half, replaced for the more attacking and creative Clarkson which paid dividends.

Kusini Yengi (Ester Sokler 46?) – 4

Another match this season which Yengi has yet to make an impact, in another underwhelming display by the striker.

Replaced by Sokler at half-time and his place must be under severe threat for the second leg.

Substitutes

Leighton Clarkson (On for Sivert Heltne Nilsen 46?) – 7

Tried to make things happen in the final third which definitely contributed to a brighter second half display from Aberdeen.

Mats Knoester (On for Alfie Dorrington 46?) – 6

Partly at fault for the second goal with a lack of communication with Molloy, otherwise was solid in his defensive work.

Ester Sokler (On for Kusini Yengi 46?) – 8

A terrific header powered past the goalkeeper to equalise late on and must be in line to start ahead of Yengi and be given a chance from the start.

Dante Polvara (On for Nicolas Milanovic 59?) – 8

Made an impact off the bench, striking the equalising goal and nearly netting the winner if it wasn’t for a close-range reaction save from the goalkeeper.

Graeme Shinnie (On for Gavin Molloy 59?) – 6

His experience made a difference at full-back and his leadership was beneficial on the pitch.

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