Sokler Header Leaves European Play-off in the Balance for Aberdeen

Aberdeen 2 – 2 FCSB Polvara (61′) Sokler (89′)   Birligea (32′) Olaru (46′) Aberdeen came from 2-0 down to draw their Europa League first leg against the 10 men of FCSB. Aberdeen enjoyed a comfortable League Cup Victory against Morton on Saturday, and started brightly. Alexander Jensen found space on the right within the opening minutes, but his cross was flicked away before reaching Kusini Yengi in the box. Nicolas Milanovic and Adil Aouchiche have settled well at Pittodrie and linked well on the edge of the box. Milanovic’s resultant strike was blocked, a common theme for Aberdeen’s attacking efforts. For the first 25 minutes, Aberdeen dominated possession and territory, but struggled to translate their control into clear chances. Despite their domestic pedigree, FCSB seemed content to absorb pressure, slowing the game down at every opportunity. Their patience paid off in the 32nd minute when they scored against the run of play. Goalkeeper Stefan Tarnovanu’s long ball found David Miculescu, who released the star man, Daniel Birligea. The forward finished coolly past goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov, giving the visitors a surprising lead. The goal was a blow to Jimmy Thelin’s squad after an encouraging start. The home crowd’s frustrations were further compounded by FCSB’s decision to celebrate as a team rather than quickly returning to the centre circle. Just as FCSB looked to grow into the game, Juri Cisotti was shown a straight red card for a rash challenge on Milanovic. While the tackle was certainly worthy of a booking, the decision felt harsh, reducing the Romanian side to ten men. Aberdeen attempted to capitalise on their numerical advantage, but continued to lack a cutting edge. Palaversa had a golden opportunity after latching onto a loose ball in the box, but his low shot was saved comfortably. On the left, Topi Keskinen, who had a quiet first half, finally found space to maraud forward, but his cross couldn’t find a teammate. The first half ended with a familiar story for the Dons – plenty of effort but no reward. Things went from bad to worse just seconds into the 2nd half. Miscommunication from Gavin Molloy and Mats Knoester allowed Birligea space to bear down on goal. FCSB’s number 9 turned from scorer to provider, sliding the ball across the goal for Darius Olaru to tap home. Deflation for Aberdeen, who had made three positive changes at halftime. Bucharest almost added to their lead moments later, but Mitov was alert to tip Miculescu’s fierce volley past the post. The Romanians may have been a man down, but they relished the prospect of enduring 45 minutes with a man spare. Aberdeen regained their composure and forced themselves back into the game after 61 minutes. Substitute Dante Polvara spun in the box and unleashed a powerful strike off the post and past Tarnovanu. The introduction of Polvara and Graeme Shinnie injected energy into the home side’s play. Polvara delivered a teasing cross for Ester Sokler moments later, who directed his header past the left-hand post. Sokler had another opening on 72 minutes, Palaversa’s flick on dropped to the Slovenian in the box, but his strike lacked conviction and trickled into the goalkeeper’s grasp. Aberdeen carved out another opening as the game entered the final five minutes. Palaversa’s incisive pass to Jensen was cut back for Keskinen, the Finnish winger’ strike was blocked by the solid Romanian backline. The home side levelled the tie in the 88th minute, Keskinen’s outswinging cross was met by the substitute striker, who made no mistake to head past Tarnovanu. The equaliser warranted Aberdeen’s persistent pressure in the 2nd half, grinding down a persistent and sturdy defence. While they could not force home the winning goal, a spirited comeback leaves the tie in the balance as Aberdeen head to Bucharest next Thursday. Aberdeen: Mitov, Jensen, Dorrington (Knoester 46’) Milne, Molloy (Shinnie 59’), Palaversa, Heltne Nilsen (Clarkston 46’), Milanovic (Polvara 58’), Aouchiche, Keskinen, Yengi (Sokler 46’) Bookings: Milanovic 22’ Palaversa 75’ FCSB: Tarnovanu, Cretu, Graovac, M Popescu, Pantea, Sut (Lixandru 72’), Chiriches (Edjouma 46’), Miculescu, F Tanase (Olaru 46’), Cisotti, Birligea. Bookings: Tanase 12’ Crete 39’ Cisotti (Sent Off 38’)