Aberdeen FC produced a night of high drama at Pittodrie, fighting back from two goals down to secure a vital 2-2 draw against 10-man FCSB. The first leg of their Europa League play-off tie was a rollercoaster of emotions. It featured defensive errors, a controversial red card, and a late, heroic equalizer. This result leaves the tie perfectly balanced, with everything to play for in the second leg in Bucharest. Consequently, fans are left buzzing with a mix of relief and hope.
A Tale of Two Halves
The match on Thursday, August 21, 2025, started cautiously. However, it was the Romanian champions who struck first. A costly defensive mistake allowed Daniel Birligea to give FCSB the lead in the 32nd minute. Things seemed to swing in Aberdeen's favour shortly after. FCSB's Juri Cisotti received a straight red card for a reckless challenge in the 38th minute. Surprisingly, this did not stop the visitors' momentum.
Shock After the Break
Despite being a man down, FCSB stunned the home crowd just a minute into the second half. Another defensive mix-up allowed Darius Olaru to tap in, doubling their advantage. At this point, Aberdeen's European dreams looked to be fading fast. The atmosphere inside Pittodrie was tense as the Dons struggled to break down the resilient 10-man opposition.
The Dons' Incredible Fightback
Manager Jimmy Thelin's substitutions proved to be a masterstroke. The comeback began in the 61st minute, sparking new life into the team and the stadium.
- Polvara Provides Hope: Substitute Dante Polvara made an immediate impact. He scored just two minutes after coming onto the pitch, lashing a deflected shot in off the post. This goal shifted the momentum entirely.
- Sokler's Late Heroics: With the clock ticking down, Aberdeen pushed relentlessly for an equalizer. In the 89th minute, another substitute, Ester Sokler, rose highest to head home from an Ante Palaversa corner. The stadium erupted, celebrating a draw that felt like a victory.
Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin later praised his players and the supporters, acknowledging the crucial role the fans played in driving the team forward.
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Challenges and Controversies
The match was not without its off-field issues. FCSB faced significant hurdles before kick-off. Three key players Risto Radunovic, Baba Alhassan, and Siyabonga Ngezana were unable to participate due to visa issues. Although allowed into Scotland, they were not permitted to train or play, a point of frustration for the visiting side. This certainly added another layer of complexity to an already intense European tie.
All Eyes on Bucharest
With the aggregate score locked at 2-2, the stage is set for a thrilling second leg in Bucharest next Thursday. The winner will advance to the lucrative Europa League group stage. Meanwhile, the loser will have the consolation of dropping into the Conference League group stage. After their incredible display of resilience, Aberdeen will travel with renewed belief. They know they have the character to compete and potentially cause an upset.
Conclusion: A Night of True Grit
Aberdeen's dramatic comeback against FCSB was a testament to their fighting spirit. Overcoming a two-goal deficit, especially against a team down to ten men, is no small feat. The players showed immense character, and the roaring Pittodrie crowd undoubtedly played their part as the twelfth man. While defensive frailties need addressing, the Dons have shown they have the heart for the European stage. The tie is far from over, and a fascinating conclusion awaits in Romania.
