Aberdeen Meet Ukrainian Giants in Conference League Opener
Aberdeen open their European campaign at Pittodrie against Shakhtar Donetsk tomorrow night. Both sides will be making their Europa Conference League phase debuts on Thursday, but for the visitors, this will be their first time featuring in this competition. The Ukrainian side are well-known to the Champions League, being involved in the top competition five times since 2020 despite dropping to the Europa League on multiple occasions. Aberdeen have endured a difficult league start, sitting at rock bottom of the league, and scoring zero goals in the process. The Dons did reach the Scottish League Cup last 16, but unfortunately, Motherwell booked the spot at Hampden. Aberdeen grabbed guaranteed European football by defeating Celtic in the Scottish Cup despite finishing the league season in fifth. Aberdeen have had some big results in the past in Europe, including the most noticeable 2-0 victory over German giants, Eintracht Frankfurt. Aberdeen was unlucky not to make the Europa League this season, crashing out to Romanian side, FCSB. The Pittodrie side also holds their immaculate two European trophies in 1983. Last time out Aberdeen was on the wrong end once against losing 2-0 courtesy of two late goals by the Steelmen, continuing the losing drought and not finding the back of the net. A look into the visitors A disappointing campaign for the regular Ukrainian champions, sitting 7 points behind champions, Dynamo Kyiv. Shakhtar have had a challenging time of late due to ongoing conflict in Ukraine where the currently play in Germany at the home of Schalke. Shakhtar earlier this season sold top star, Kevin for an outstanding for a fee in the region of £35million. Thursday’s visitors have plenty of quality within their side with players such as Newerton, Pedrinho and Mykola Matviyenko being some to watch. Marian Shved the former Celtic man will be looking to make an impact at Pittodrie. Shakhtar are currently unbeaten in 22 matches, their last defeat being in April losing to FC Kolos Kovalivka. The Ukrainian side were knocked out the Europa League by Greek outfit, Panathinaikos following a goalless aggregate scoreline, losing out on penalties. The Ukrainian side edged past Servette to make the league phase. Shakhtar won the Ukrainian cup last season defeating Dynamo Kyiv thanks to a goal by Elias taking the match to penalties, winning 6-5 in the shootout. Shakhtar Donetsk have got off to an outstanding start, topping their league with five wins and two draws in the process. The side from Donetsk have scored 14 times in their opening 7 games which may draw fear into the Aberdeen side. Also, only four goals conceded which isn’t something the Pittodrie fanbase wants to hear. Shakhtar last time out Shakhtar defeated league leaders Rukh Lviv 4-0 away from home. Meirrelles and Isaque scored alongside a Pedrinho brace. Team news The duo of Dante Polvara and Stuart Armstrong were both missing from the defeat at Motherwell, with both players in contention to return to action. Other than that, the Dons are not suspected of having any other concerns. The visitors will be without £14million star signing, Alisson Santana, due to a broken leg. Lassina Traore and Equinaldo could also miss out through injury. The talk ahead of Thursday Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Pedrinho, “This victory (4-0 win during the weekend) is very important and has a positive impact on the team. “I think we are constantly progressing, even in previous we created many chances. “This time we managed to realise our chances. “It was an impressive victory. “I am really happy with the goals and especially for the team’s victory. “We knew that the game would be difficult, so we had to show our football. Jimmy Thelin after Motherwell defeat, “We want to be more compact and have more players central in the pitch so that we can create more chances. “I think the way we set up the team (vs Motherwell) shows some positive things that we can use in the future also” He added: “We have to focus on the positive things and do everything we can to push for the next game (Shahktar Donetsk). “It’s not easy to talk about the positives right now because we have one point on the table and have scored zero goals.
Celtic Welcome Braga to Celtic Park As They Seek European Success
Celtic Park is set for another dramatic European night on Thursday as they welcome Portuguese side Braga with the Bhoys seeking their first European victory of the season. The atmosphere promises to be unlike the usual thunder that greets the players under the lights. Supporters have announced plans to stage a 29-minute protest against the board, leaving an unusual hush around the stadium until close to the half-hour mark. It’s a gesture aimed at voicing frustration with the hierarchy, but it also creates a curious challenge for Brendan Rodgers’ side: how to seize control of a match without the instant backing of a roaring Parkhead crowd. On the footballing front, the stakes are clear. Celtic began their Europa League campaign with a 1–1 draw away to Red Star Belgrade. A solid enough result, but it leaves little margin for error at home. If the Hoops want to build momentum in a group that looks tight on paper, three points against Braga could be crucial. Braga, however, are no strangers to making life uncomfortable for opponents. They kicked off their group stage with a win, and while their domestic form has been patchy, they remain a team capable of springing surprises.They’re compact, disciplined, and more than capable of striking on the counter through players such as Ricardo Hortaand Fran Navarro. For Celtic, that means patience and concentration will be just as important as attacking flair. Rodgers doesn’t have fresh injury worries, but absences remain a storyline. Alistair Johnston, Auston Trusty and Jota are long-term casualties, meaning Celtic have already had to adapt their defensive and attacking structure without them.The back line has looked relatively stable, but the question still lingers over whether Celtic can consistently unlock stubborn defences at this level. European nights often hinge on moments of sharpness in the final third, and that is where Celtic must deliver. Keys to the game feel straightforward yet decisive. An assertive start, even without the immediate roar of the stands, will be vital. Braga will look to ride out the opening half-hour, frustrate, and then grow into the contest. Celtic’s ability to stay compact when out of possession will matter too, as the Portuguese side thrive on transitions and quick breaks. Set-pieces may also play a role in what is likely to be a finely balanced encounter. Once the protest ends, Parkhead will explode into life, and that energy could swing momentum. But Rodgers and his players cannot afford to wait for the noise — they need to take command from the first whistle. Anything less risks handing Braga the belief they need to snatch a result. It won’t be straightforward, and it might not be pretty, but for Celtic this feels like a must-win night.
