Europa Conference League Archives

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.

October 1, 2025

Scottish Teams Find Out Their Fate In European Draws

Rangers, Celtic and Aberdeen today all found out their opponents for the league phases of the Europa League and the Europa Conference League. Rangers and Celtic were in pots 1 and 2 of the Europa League draw respectively, whilst Aberdeen found themselves in pot 4 of the Conference League draw following their drop down to the competition last night. The pot 1 part of the draw arguably could not have provided Rangers and Celtic with tougher opponents, with both sides hosting Italian giants AS Roma who are the highest ranked side in the competition as per coefficient. Rangers also have to travel to Portugal to take on 2011 winners FC Porto, the second highest ranked side, whilst Celtic travel to De Kuip to take on Eredivisie giants Feyenoord, who they defeated under Arne Slot in 2023 to end a ten-year Champions League hoodoo. In pot 2, both sides have also been pitted against the 2011 runner ups, Portuguese outfit SC Braga, another side that will be flying in to Glasgow on two separate occasions. Celtic’s away tie from this pot sees them travel to Serbia as they were drawn away to the intimidating atmosphere of the Rajko Mitic Stadium, home of Crvena Zvezda, and Rangers also make the journey to Eastern Europe, as they will play Ferencvaros of Hungary’s capital, Budapest. Pot 3 again sees one side fare up against both of the Glasgow giants in Sturm Graz, however unlike AS Roma and SC Braga, they will only need to make their way to the East End of Glasgow rather than the Southside as well, as they have been drawn away to Celtic and at home to Rangers. Rangers’ home tie of this pot sees them host Ludogerets of Bulgaria, who have won their own top flight 14 times on the trot, whilst Danish side FC Midtjylland host another green and white Scottish club, after they knocked Hibernian out late in extra time in the qualifiers to help themselves reach this stage of the competition. In pot 4, Rangers host Belgian side Genk and travel north to face Brann of Norway, who last faced Scottish opposition last season in the form of St. Mirren in Conference League qualifying. Celtic’s draw was concluded with a visit from Dutch side FC Utrecht, where infamous former Hoops goalkeeper Vasilias Barkas currently plies his trade, and they will also make the journey to Northern Italy to take on FC Bologna, captained by Scotland international Lewis Ferguson. As for Ferguson’s former side, Aberdeen, their 6 Conference League opponents were discovered following the Europa League draw. The Dons host Ukrainian side, and European regulars Shakhtar Donetsk from pot 1, and will also see visits from Ligue 1 opposition Strasbourg and Armenian side Noah, who travelled to the UK last season to play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the last term’s Conference League, losing 8-0 to the eventual competition winners. There are some enjoyable away days on the cards for the Red Army, as they make the trip to the capital of Czechia to play Sparta Prague. They can also look forward to the slightly warmer climates of Greece’s capital Athens when their side play AEK, and another trip slightly more East to Cyprus, as they face AEK Larnaca, who dumped out a Legia Warsaw side that narrowly beat Hibs last night to deny Scotland having four Scottish sides in European group phase competition.

August 29, 2025

Euro adventure ends for Hibs after thrilling draw in Warsaw

Legia Warsaw 3 Hibernian 3 (After extra time, Legia win 5-4 on aggregate) An extra-time winner ensured Legia Warsaw’s progression to the Europa Conference League at the expense of Hibernian. David Gray’s side were beaten 2-1 in Leith last Thursday, but started the match well with Warren O’Hora managed the first shot on target in the opening minutes. Despite a settling start for the Hibees, Vahan Bichakhchyan’s powerful drive put Legia in front. The strike put clear daylight between the teams and was a gutting blow for the Edinburgh men. The goal helped the Poles grow into the game; further efforts from Rafal Augustyniak were both well saved by Jordan Smith, keeping the lead to one. Gray’s boys are a very different beast to the team that won just two of their opening 16 Scottish Premiership games at the start of last season. An outstanding second-half display highlighted the levels that Hibs have reached since that horror period. Rocky Bushiri sparked hopes five minutes into the second half, heading home Nicky Cadden’s in-swinging cross to equalise on the night. Then they levelled the tie in the 59th minute, after Martin Boyle powered home Bushiri’s clever setup. They incredibly added a third in the 61st minute, as substitute Miguel Chaiwa accelerated into the Legia and unleashed a brilliant finish across the goal. An outstanding 11-minute period saw the visitors flip the script on this tie. Scottish teams are not supposed to perform in this manner on the European stage; yet remarkably, they were just half an hour away from qualifying for the Europa Conference League. Hibs thought they were down to ten men after Junior Hoilett was dismissed. The referee rightly overturned the decision, offering further hope to the visitors. Warsaw looked dangerous, but the away team continued to carve out the better chances. Kacper Tobiasz denied Josh Mulligan, before a 40-yard volley bounced off the bar from Boyle. Seven minutes of additional time added further torture for the visiting support, somewhat heartbreakingly as Legia clawed their way back into the match. Juergen Elitim was left unmarked in the box; smashing home to make it 4-4 on aggregate, and ensure a further thirty minutes of extra time. The visitors were visibly exhausted as extra time began, and their hopes were dashed in the 98th minute when Mileta Rajovic lashed a high shot past Smith, putting them behind again. Jan Ziolkowski picked up a second yellow to offer hope for Hibs, but they were unable to find their fourth goal of the evening. A gut-wrenching defeat for the visitors, who had produced a stunning second-half period to come roaring back into the tie. Legia Warsaw: Tobiasz Ziólkowski Jedrzejczyk (Shkurin 90′) Kapuadi Wszolek (Alfarela 79′) Kapustka (Rajović 67′) Augustyniak (Szymański 67′) Elitim Vinagre Bichakhchyan (Stojanović 79′) Nsame (Urbański 90′) Hibernian: Smith N. Cadden (Iredale 79′) O’Hora Bushiri Obita (Klidje 101′) C. Cadden (Hoilett 57′) Boyle (Megwa 90′) Mulligan Levitt (Youan 90′) McGrath (Chaiwa 57′) Bowie

August 28, 2025

Dons crash, burn and drop into Conference League in Bucharest

FCSB 3 Aberdeen 0 (FCSB win 5-2 on aggregate) Aberdeen have been consigned to UEFA Europa Conference League football this season as they went down to Romanian side FCSB in the Europa League Playoff round. The Dons return to group phase football for the first time since 2023, where they also found themselves in European football’s third tier competition, in a campaign which produces memorable wins over Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt but ultimately no qualification for the latter stages. Jimmy Thelin’s side did well to keep the tie alive last week at Pittodrie, having gone down 2-0 in the second half of the first leg, yet they would get no better opportunity to go ahead for the first time in the tie in the opening minutes of the game, when striker Ester Sokler, who scored a 90th minute equaliser last week, trickled a rebounded effort into the hands of goalkeeper Stefan Tarnovanu who gracefully collected the ball into his hands from six yards out. Aberdeen more than went toe to toe with the Romanian hosts for large parts of the first half, with Ante Palaversa firing a half volley over the bar and summer recruit Adil Aouchiche looking threatening down the left hand side at one stage, yet in equal measure they also got out of jail with Dimitar Mitov rushing to clear a Nicky Devlin backpass, and FCSB failing to make Graeme Shinnie pay after the Dons captain was lackadaisical in possession. With just five minutes to go until half time and Aberdeen looking to go into the break with the tie still level, disaster struck in the most frustrating and cruelest of fashions. David Miculescu was sent through and beat the already booked Alexander Jensen to the through ball, falling to the ground and the ball hitting the arm of the Dane. The referee waved play on, but VAR intervened and perhaps unfairly, the referee pointed to the spot and gave Jensen his marching orders, before Darius Olaru tucked away the penalty to give the hosts the lead. With the man advantage, the second half was all FCSB and they quickly made their dominance count. Adrian Sut picked up the ball from outside the area, and he ferociously struck the ball to fire it passed the Bulgarian in the Aberdeen net to double his side’s advantage who looked to be in a rush to make the UEFA Europa League. Just on the hour mark, Aberdeen fans would have been forgiven if they started to watch the game from behind their couches, when Olaru netted his second of the evening with big thanks to a deflection. Fans across Scotland’s minds at this stage would have been fearing the worst for Aberdeen, given what happened to Rangers in their away tie last night, but the Reds stood firm to keep the scoreline at a minimum. It was degree of inevitability that the Dons would end up in the Conference League and so it proved to be in the end, with FCSB taking the win overall. FCSB: Tarnovanu 6, Cretu 7, Ngezana 7, Popescu 7 (Miculescu 3), Radunovic 6, Lixandru 6, Șut 8 (Chriches 2), Miculescu 6, Olaru 9 (Alhassan 5), Tanase 7 (Politic 3), Birligea 6 (Albec 2) Aberdeen: Mitov 4, Devlin 5, Milne 5, Knoester 4, Jensen 2, Palaversa 6 (Yengi 3), Aouchiche 6, Shinnie 5, Keskinen 6 (Milanovic 3), Polvara 5 (Nilsen 4), Sokler 4 (Clarkson 5)

August 28, 2025

Cadden winner seals Euro Playoff for Hibs

Hibernian 2-3 Partizan Belgrade Bowie (59′) Cadden (100′ ET) Vukotic (17′) Milosevic (44′) Kostic (90+5′) Hibs advance 4-3 on aggregate Chris Cadden’s 100th-minute strike settled a nervy aggregate victory for Hibs against Partizan Belgrade to set up a play-off showdown with Legia Warsaw. Two Jordan Smith blunders had levelled the tie at halftime, before a sensational 35-yard Kieron Bowie strike put Hibs ahead. Andrej Kostic sent the game to extra time with a 95th-minute equaliser before Cadden’s winning goal. David Gray made one change from the side that won 2-0 in Serbia a week ago, as Josh Campbell replaced the injured Jamie McGrath. The home side had an early chance to extend their aggregate lead when a deflected cross from Martin Boyle fell to Chris Cadden, but he fired his shot straight at Partizan goalkeeper Milosevic. Perhaps a missed opportunity to kill off the tie. But the visitors took the lead after 17 minutes. Vukotic found space on the edge of the box and unleashed a strike that looked routine for Smith. But the Hibs keeper could only get a hand to it, tipping the ball into the net and leaving the home side stunned. Boyle’s teasing cross was tipped away, leading to a corner, from which Dylan Levitt delivered a brilliant left-footed cross to the back post, where Rocky Bushiri rose highest but could only head the ball wide, missing a great opportunity to level the score. The half went from bad to worse for Hibs when another goalkeeping blunder gifted Partizan their second goal. Mario Jurcevic charged down the left side, his low cross found its way to Milosevic, whose tame left-footed shot somehow squirmed under Smith’s body and crossed the line. In the dying moments of the half, Jurcevic was again involved on the left, sending in a cross that struck Warren O’Hora’s arm inside the box, bringing play to a halt for a VAR check as a sobering first half for the home side drew to a close. Despite the two mistakes, Gray kept faith with Smith for the second half and Hibs started to find their way into the game, despite from doggedness from Partizan’s youthful team. Step forward Kieron Bowie. A hopeful ball forward bounced kindly for the striker, without thought, he unleashed a dipping strike which arched over the helpless Marko Milosevic. The home support erupted, knowing that this goal would be remembered in the green side of Edinburgh for years to come. Within minutes, it got even better. Partizan defender Nikola Simic took down the goalscorer to receive his second yellow and his marching orders to prematurely end his night. The home side began to play with freedom after a crucial five-minute period and a positive move between Bowie and Cadden saw the latter whip a right-footed cross to Boyle, who volleyed wide. They had the ball in the net again on the 70th minute through substitute Nicky Cadden, but Boyle was narrowly offside in the build-up. Smith came up with two big saves in quick succession. Firstly, blocking a low shot, and then tipping Milosevic’s effort over the bar. A big confidence boost at a crucial time, backing up Gray’s decision to stick with him. As the game reached the 90th minute, the home side looked set to secure a place in the playoff round of the Conference League. However, Easter Road was left stunned after a neat Partizan move saw 18-year-old substitute Andrej Kostic finish at the near post. It was agony for the home faithful, with seconds of normal time remaining, the aggregate score was tied. Hibernian hit back in extra time as the game ticked over 100 minutes. Milosevic, in the Partizan goal, parried Mulligan’s strike into the path of the onrushing Chris Cadden. The defender missed a golden chance in the early stages of the game but made no mistake to thrash the ball into the open net. The outstanding Bowie almost settled the game, taking a positive touch on the edge of the box, his left-footed strike narrowly evaded the right post. Smith came up with a huge save moments later, a straight forward through ball found Jurcevic, but the Hibs goalkeeper did superbly to tip the strike around the post, with a Junior Hoilett effort rounding off a breathless opening 15 minutes. Nicky Cadden had the best chance of the second period, arriving at the back post but could not deflect his shot or header on goal. The home side’s high line almost caught them out moments later. Mario Jurcevic fired home, but the play was brought back for another offside infringement. Partizan came close again when goal scorer Kostic hit the post in the closing stages. The full-time whistle blew on a marathon evening in Leith as the fans celebrated in the stands, with a sense of relief as they managed to prolong their stay in Europe United sunk by penalties as Vienna recover to claim play-off berth The mood at Tannadice was very different by contrast as Rapid Vienna needed penalties to get past Dundee United and send Jim Goodwin’s men crashing out of the Conference League. The Arabs returned from the Austrian capital with a hard-fought 2-2 draw last week so knew the tie was far from over in Dundee as a play-off spot was at stake. Max Watters nodded in the opening goal for United and added a second from the penalty before the break to make it 2-0 and give themselves the best chance of going through. Rapid hit back through Janis Antiste, whose cross in was deflected into the United net with Ercan Cara notching an equaliser on the night and on aggregate to make sure the tie went the distance. Both sides couldn’t be separated any further as the game went to penalties, where Amar Fatah’s first penalty for United, which struck the post, was the only one not to be converted, as Rapid Vienna claimed the victory in the end.

August 14, 2025

Gray staying grounded despite first leg success

Hibernian welcome Partizan Belgrade to Easter Road as they look to keep their Europa Conference League group phase dream alive and avoid a repeat of the disappointing defeat to FC Midtjylland a fortnight ago. David Gray and his team went to Serbia in last Thursday’s first leg and took home a 2-0 victory in which Martin Boyle produced the goals in a magical night to boost the Scottish co-efficient. Belgrade will travel to Edinburgh as they look to overturn the deficit, whilst Hibs will fancy their chances of extending their lead in the tie in front of a sold-out Easter Road crowd. Should Hibernian progress the job doesn’t get any easier as they will face AEK Larnaca or Legia Warsaw, where Larnaca lead 4-1 after the first leg. Preparations from both sides have differed with Hibs throwing away a two-goal lead in Kilmarnock while their Serbian foes recorded a resounding 7-2 away win over Napredak. Hibs boss David Gray refuses to get too excited, despite the first leg and has urged the fans to fill the stands. “It’s half time in the tie, nothing’s been achieved yet we start this game at 0-0,” he told the press conference on Wednesday. “We’ll be approaching this game as though it’s goalless with it all to play for because we all know the threat and danger Partizan possess. “They have real good quality technical players who are at that level for a reason. We need to be at our very best to get a positive result. “You can never ever underestimate the power of what the fans can do to really spur you on.” Midfielder Jamie McGrath also spoke at the press conference and revealed how desperate he and his teammates are to be the first Hibs players to make it to the group stages in a European competition. He added: “The gaffer said a Hibs team have never got through to the group stages and that is something in the back of our minds as we want to be the first to do it. “We can’t afford to take our eye of the ball of we will be punished.” Recent signing Grant Hanley could make his European debut after getting his first taste as a Hibee in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Kilmarnock while Partizan will be without Vukasin Djurdjevic who was sent off in last Thursday’s first leg. The game kicks off at 8pm and will be shown live on the BBC Scotland channel.

August 14, 2025

Goodwin aims for “memorable” evening in Europe

Resilience has been plentiful in Jim Goodwin’s managerial career. From the historic lows of a shock cup defeat to Darvel to the ultimate disappointment of championship relegation, he’s faced significant challenges. Now, as his depleted Dundee United squad prepares for a crucial Conference League qualifier against Rapid Vienna, he’ll need his players to demonstrate that same strength of character. The task ahead is immense. As Goodwin revealed, the team was missing “seven or eight influential players” for their recent 3-2 defeat against Hearts and key figures like Ryan Strain, Ross Graham and Kristian Trapanovski remain sidelined for the visit of Rapid Vienna. Their absence leaves significant gaps in a squad that is already struggling. The third-round qualifying tie hangs in the balance after a thrilling 2-2 first leg. In a gutsy performance, United twice fought back from a goal down to secure a draw, keeping their European dream alive. New signings Zac Sapsford and Max Watters were instrumental, scoring the crucial goals and looking like a real threat throughout the match. Goodwin described the atmosphere as “hostile”, “The players put in a great performance, we’ve taken learnings from the game and areas that we think we can improve and do better, I think both goals against were certainly avoidable.” Rapid Vienna dominated large portions of the first leg and spurned several chances in the Allianz Stadion. They followed up the 2-2 draw with an impressive 2-1 win against Champions League hopefuls Sturm Graz. Goodwin knows that “they will take a lot of confidence from that. What’s at stake? The winner will advance to the play-off round, just two games away from securing a spot in the Conference League group stage. They will face the winner of the match between Swedish side AIK Stockholm and Hungary’s FC Gyor. Jim Goodwin’s thoughts “There won’t be any need or motivational speeches from me. The players know what is at stake, they know the opportunity that they’ve got and it should make for a fantastic fixture. “But at the flip side, we know that Rapid Vienna are a really good team and probably still in a lot of peoples eyes are favourites, albeit they are the away team. “With a really good home support, I’m led to believe the game is practically sold out. I don’t think there is a ticket to have, but if the fans can get behind the team, generate a really positive atmosphere and drive the players on, hopefully it will be a memorable one that we look back on in years to come.”

August 13, 2025

Europa Conference League