It’s been an eventful few days for Aberdeen and the fan base, punctuated by a pair of 2-2 draws that could hardly be any further apart in how they’re being viewed. Firstly came the long awaited first European night of a season in which at least eight are guaranteed, away to BK Hacken in Gothenburg, which offered the chance for something of a pilgrimage for Dons fans and a first look at Aberdeen on the European stage this year. Even the most optimistic of Aberdeen fans didn’t seem to be taking the challenge of Hacken and Europa league qualification lightly and as the match, which was played at a rip-roaring pace swayed in the favour of the home side, who took a 2-0 lead, the challenge looked even greater. Then came that final 20 minutes. The travelling support and RedTV or dodgy stick faithful were given their first look in red of James McGarry and Jamie McGrath, who both impressed in their respective Dons debuts. As Aberdeen piled the pressure on the hosts, Miovski did what Miovski does and finished brilliantly with his left foot to haul the Dons back into the tie and then Nicky Devlin, finally unleashed in his favoured position of right wing back, did what none of us expected Nicky Devlin to do and latched onto a Miovski ball to dink over an onrushing keeper. The game was level, mayhem ensued in Gothenburg and living rooms and pubs back in the North East and with some top level shithousery from half the Aberdeen team as the icing on the cake, the tie was turned around with it now coming back to Pittodrie finely poised and with a dose of confidence injected firmly into it.
The next couple of days were hugely positive, with social media buzzing over the fight back from the Aberdeen team, plaudits given to Barry Robson for finally utilising his bench, the home leg at Pittodrie swiftly becoming a sell out and the Aberdeen support largely glued to their phones, watching and rewatching the clip of aforementioned shithousery in the wake of Devlin’s equaliser. Excitement levels were building for this coming Thursday but there was unfortunately a trip to perhaps one of the least exciting places possible, Paisley, to come before the Hacken home leg.
Again, not many predicted an easy afternoon for Aberdeen on Sunday, with the home team in good form with two wins in the league and impressive performances noted as they continue to build under Stephen Robinson. It was hoped that with a good performance that the dandies could overcome the spirited home side and build on the excellent momentum from midweek. This was not what followed.
After grabbing an undeserved lead through a Jonny Hayes cross, it seemed that if Aberdeen could be revitalised at half time and replicate the level set in the second half performance in Gothenburg, they might just get out of Paisley with three points. Whilst the second half mirrored the one against Hacken in terms of controversy, the quality was severely lacking and the substitutions this time failed to make the same impact, instead looking like what they were, players which had very recently been added to the squad. In the 99th minute, Aberdeen were presented with the opportunity to rescue, or perhaps, rob a point from the game when a second hand ball incident, this time committed by the hosts, led to a penalty. Even in the closing moments, as Miovski fired home from the spot, the drama wasn’t over as the ominous letters of VAR flashed up on the screen and we were presented with the Scottish football equivalent of the white and gold or blue and black dress conundrum from a few years ago, as the penalty was checked for a double touch. The goal, rightly in my opinion, stood and Aberdeen escaped with a point that they possibly didn’t deserve and which at times looked highly unlikely but which they will very much take.
After a series of tricky matches on the road, we now have two huge games to look forward to at home. Pittodrie has always been absolutely brilliant on big European nights and given how the atmosphere has been ramping up in recent times, I expect Thursday night to be something truly special. The mood around the game seems to one of optimism and enthusiasm and we can only hope this carries on into the game itself, in both the crowd and with the players on the pitch. Come Friday morning, we’ll know where our European futures lie for this season and whichever league we find ourselves anxiously awaiting the draw for, I hope that we’re left feeling proud, of the performance on the pitch and of Pittodrie on what is set to be our biggest game in many years!