Aberdeen Secures First Conference League Point in Exciting Draw Against AEK Larnaca
Aberdeen achieved their first point in the UEFA Conference League after a goalless draw against AEK Larnaca. This match took place on September 21, 2023, in Cyprus, following earlier defeats to FCSB and AEK Athens, the latter being a significant 6-0 loss.
Aberdeen’s Performance Against AEK Larnaca
Despite the lack of goals, Jimmy Thelin’s squad displayed a disciplined performance. One missed opportunity stood out in stoppage time. Substitute Topi Keskinen set up Nicolas Milanovic, but his shot missed the target. This miss proved crucial as it could have given Aberdeen a last-minute victory.
Key Match Events
- Date: September 21, 2023
- Location: Cyprus
- Previous Matches:
- Loss against FCSB
- 6-0 defeat to AEK Athens
- Missed Opportunities:
- Milanovic’s stoppage-time shot
- Karol Angielski’s late header
Aberdeen’s defense was mostly organized throughout the game. Early on, they dodged a bullet when AEK’s Jimmy Suarez failed to convert from a corner. Jack Milne and Nicky Devlin contributed to several defensive efforts, with Devlin notably blocking a chance from Dorde Ivanovic.
Near Misses
The closest AEK Larnaca came to scoring was before halftime. Captain Hrvoje Milicevic unleashed a powerful 35-yard shot that struck the post. After the break, Pere Pons also came close, heading just over the crossbar.
While Aberdeen had some promising openings, players like Keskinen and Jesper Karlsson struggled with their final passes. However, Dimitar Mitov, Aberdeen’s goalkeeper, was instrumental in securing the point by stopping several attempts from AEK Larnaca.
Looking Ahead
This draw provides a foundation for Aberdeen as they look to improve in the conference league. With the defense showing strength, the focus will be on converting chances into goals in upcoming fixtures.
