UEFA Europa League Matchday - FCSB

Aberdeen’s European adventure is alive and kicking! 🔴⚪

This week on the AFC DONScast:

⚽ A dramatic 2-2 fightback against FCSB at Pittodrie – full match reaction and build-up to the return leg in Bucharest.

🔁 Transfer updates – Slobodan Rubežić departs, plus youth academy news.

👩‍🦰 Aberdeen Women – reaction to the Glasgow City clash and new partnership with Scottish Brain Sciences.

📊 A full SPFL and Highland League round-up.

🏟️ Chairman Dave Cormack on Aberdeen’s new stadium vision.

🎟️ Ticket details for Bucharest and Falkirk.

All that and more in your weekly Red Army update.

🎧 Listen now at afcdonscast.co.uk

Episode Transcript

(00:14):
Here's my Oscar. Through to Smith at though, so
he's going for comment Alexa that.
Is a brilliant. Goal chance for sorts like to
make his mind goal. Walker.
Right Bridget. Josh Walker.
His first ever go for Aberdeen and.
What a night. And Hewitt?

(00:38):
Waiting in the middle. Aberdeen have won the European
Cup Winners Cup and the celebrations now begin both on
the field and all. For a week it's been Aberdeen's

(01:15):
European adventure as well and truly alive after a dramatic
fight back under the Pittodrie lights against FCSB will relive
all the action from that thrilling Europa League playoff
at first leg. We've also got the latest
transfer news, reaction from thewomen's side from their clash
with Glasgow City, plus updates from across the SPFL and
Highland leagues. And there's plenty of supporters
news too to round things off. So plenty to get through and

(01:39):
let's roll it back to Thursday night.
And the manager provided his thoughts ahead of the match.
Jimmy, a big night expected at Pittodrie tonight, the European
opportunity, there's a real buzzabout the place.
It is and that's an amazing atmosphere always at Pittodrie
and so I think that inspire our players a lot and we want to
give our fans the the best possible experience today.

(02:02):
Now, most managers would tell methat it's all about what their
team does, but a little worried about FCSB.
What can we expect from them? What kind of side are they?
It's a good transition team so we have to be stable in our
performance today and don't givethem opportunities to take
something from here today that we are strong in our attacking
but also controlling their theirtransitions.

(02:24):
They're a very recognisable namein European football.
You know they've they've come through a couple of rounds,
they've dropped out the Champions League.
There will be a test for you tonight.
Yeah, always and but we have a strong belief in our but always
of course they have the experience and done well.
But today it's another game and we have a strong belief in our
performance if we have to and the only thinking about our

(02:47):
performance. We know what they want to do and
hopefully we can do that match in a really good way, but also
put our performance on top todayand the way we approach the game
is really important for us. Well, a good one at the weekend.
You've made only one change to the side, Toby Keskinen coming
in and he's always a danger coming in off that flank.
Yeah, I think we're in early in the season now to get the rhythm

(03:10):
going and also what you think and fits against this opponent,
how we can managed to balance the team today.
I think the it's it's actually the first half.
We can say we have another game against them next weekend and
let's see how how we changed thethe starting 11.
But today, we think it's the best way to start today.
And Gavin Malloy keeps his place.

(03:30):
Young man with a lot to show. He'll be really excited about
this. Yeah, I think like he did well
and he's a left footed player and he can give us some good
crosses and I think that's goingto be important today in this
game. Thank you so much.
Aberdeen fought back from two goals down to rescue a dramatic
2 all draw against FCSB in the first leg of our Europa League
playoff at Petaudrey, setting upa mouth watering second leg in

(03:54):
Bucharest this week. Yamati made just one change from
the side that beat Morton in theScottish League gap, with Toby
Keskinen starting for the injured shaded Morris.
Rodrigo Vettel's Matt Caruster, Kanan Bilalovich and Dylan Loben
were added to the bench. The Dons started brightly, twice
going close through Cassini Yengi and Adeel Hoshish.
O'gavin Malloy had strong penalty claims weaved away

(04:16):
inside the opening minutes but against the round of play FCSB
struck first on 32 minutes wherehe had broke clear and Cooley
slotted beyond Dematar meet off to silence Pitaudry.
The Romanians were reduced to 10men shortly before half time
when Chisotte saw red for a reckless challenge.
But the Dons still trailed at the break and within a minute of
the restart it got worse. The defensive mixap LED barely a

(04:38):
steel possession before squaringfor Alaro to make it 2 nil to
the visitors. Mitov had to pull off a
spectacular save moments later to keep the deficit from growing
but Aberdeen came roaring back. Substitutes Dante Palvada and
Esther Sockler made the difference, Pavara unleashing a
thunderous left foot strike off the post just before the hour to
spark the comeback. Sotler then passed that one

(04:59):
golden chance before finally making amends in the 89th
minute, piling home a header from a corner to level the tie
at 2 all. Pavara almost necked it deep
into stoppage time denied but only by Tar Navanu at point
blank range. Full time repertory Aberdeen 2,
SCSB 2. Oh, Jimmy, that was a bit of a
roller coaster evening out there.

(05:20):
What did you make of it? No, I think in the first moment
this the 12th player today, our supporters and the surrounding
Epitadri help us to stay in thisgame, stay in this fight to give
us a chance to buffer now in thein the in the second leg.
That's the most positive thing. And also the mentality of the

(05:42):
players because it's so difficult when you the way we
can see the goals today and you start the second-half after 50
seconds and you're 2 down in a really important game, but still
find a way to give us a chance. It's difficult to win in that
moment, but give us a chance to stay and, and go to RUPA League.
So the mentality and the, the supporters today, what's the

(06:04):
difference in my opinion to get this extra punch and energy.
Then of course we have some really strong learning points
today in the, in the way we giveaway the goals they they scored
and it doesn't matter if it's a RUPA league or, or playoff or
league game or cup. We we can't put ourself in these

(06:26):
situations. But the mentality was the
positive thing. And of course, we now have one
week to improve and talk throughthis and be really strong
prepared for the second leg and do a really strong performance
there. The two goals you gave away
you've mentioned were disappointing.
The two goals you've got I thought showed a lot of grip and

(06:47):
Esther Sokhler at the end, I I thought a draw was the least you
deserve to be honest. Yeah, we have some good chances
also in the first half. And so it's this small moment
that that that happened today that they gave that that they
could stay in the game and the quality they show when they get
opportunities. I think in the League Cup we saw

(07:08):
signs that we're starting producing more situations inside
the box. It was something I've worked
really hard with. I think we didn't create so much
in the first two games in the league.
And today again, we're arriving even before there were one man
down. We're arriving much better to
the box and and creating situations and we have to keep
working on this. And just the last part, where to

(07:33):
put the cross, how, how, how to arrive into the attacking zones
is the last thing we have to to produce better.
But at least the ball is surviving there now and we have
players there and just the timing.
So I'm I'm again, I'm have to beproud that we come back.
But but we we have to do much better in in the in the games.
Yeah, I mean, if you go over to Bucharest and find yourself 2

(07:55):
down, it'll be a, it's a harder thing to do than come back at
home, but you've kept yourself in the tie.
That's really positive. Yeah, it's really important.
Again. Now we have one week to prepare
us really well for this game. It's going to be a different
kind of game if you look at thembefore and play away at home and
but we also have one week to prepare this now and we're ready

(08:16):
for it. And the players, they've
obviously sized up the opposition, Bucharest, they've
sized you up as well. So it will be a different type
of game. How do Aberdeen go and win it?
Let's see next thing now we're going to take the preparing this
game for we have to have a strong belief and and plays in
different maybe a little bit adjustments away and home, but

(08:38):
we're going to be ready. Travel well.
We wish you well. Thank.
You so much. Thank you.
Casual live audio and video of our next match only on RED TV.
Subscribe now for full match daycoverage, replays, highlights
and all the goals, exclusive interviews and behind the scenes
content. Sign up now at redtv.afc.co.uk.

(08:59):
The best of the action only on RED TV all.
Right, let's look at the rest ofthe matches from the weekend
across the SPFL and Highland League.
Wreath Rovers moved to the top of the Championship table on
Friday night thanks to two nil home victory over rivals

(09:19):
Dunfermline Athletic on Saturday.
Celtic are two points clear at the top of the Premiership after
a three nil home win over Livingston.
Hearts are in second spot after coming from three goals down to
draw 3 on with Motherwell at Tynecastle.
Kilmarnock and Andy drew nil nilat Rugby Park.
St Johnstone's off Arbro 3 nil at McDermott Park to make it
three wins out to three in the Championship while Ross County

(09:41):
are bottom of the table following a three win loss to
Partick Thistle and Digwell thathas cost Don Cowie his job.
He resigned earlier today greeting Martin and Airdreonians
drew 2 all at Capital while it finished one all between
Airdreonians and Queens Park at the Albert Bartlett Stadium.
Alo Athletic are two points clear at the summit of League
One after beating Hamilton Aki'sone nil at the Indo Drill

(10:03):
Stadium with Stenhousemuir and Queen of the South and 2nd and
3rd following their nil nil drawat Oakville View Cove.
Rangers add up the foot to the table after losing 3 one at
Peterhead and Inverness. Caley Thistle were two nil
winners at Montrose, Alfie Bavage scoring the opener.
These five defeated Kelty Hearts2 and at Bayview Spartans are
top of League 2 after beating 4 for Athletic 1 Ella Ainslie Park

(10:26):
with East Kilbride in second place following their 32 success
at Sterling Albion. A diversity run out four two
winners away to Elgin City and Dumbarton triumphed 4 three over
on an Athletic at Gala Bank. Stranrad and Clyde drew one all
at Steer Park. It was a busy afternoon in the
Highland League yesterday with plenty of goals across the
grounds At Victoria Park, Bugs AD pulled off the result of the

(10:47):
day with a three one victory away to Becky Thistle packed the
Cadden Wooden fine format Grant St Park thumping Strasbay
Thistle 6 nil to delight the Inverness crowd.
David Vale and Brecon City played out a goalless draw while
for Martin United were held 10 at home by Keith Inveruli.
Local Works enjoyed a commanding4 nil win over Rothes while
Handley edged out Lossymouth 21 at Grant Park.

(11:10):
Near and County were also emphatic winners, brushing aside
Forest Mechanics 4 nil at Station Park.
There was a thriller at the Horse where broader Rangers just
squeezed past Turf United in a seven goal contest, winning 4,
three and finally Fraser Brack claimed all three points with a
hard fought 2 and away win against Wick Academy.
The only game on Sunday saw St Melon and Rangers play out one

(11:30):
all draw in the Premiership. So this is how the Premiership
table looks so far. Celtic have three wins from
three, not a single goal conceded and they're already
setting the pace at the top. Hearts are chasing with two wins
and a draw while Hipset third, still unbeaten.
Livingston right out the top four on four points but behind
them it's frustration. Motherwell, Kilmarnock and
Rangers three games, 3 draws each and no wins yet and at the

(11:52):
wrong end. Aberdeen two games, 2 defeats
and no goals scored and bought at the table with 0 points.
No way. I'm sending you around the world

(12:13):
on a series of missions. You will be competing against
each other for the chance to win£1,000,000.
Eliminate the competition. Master the gadgets.
And. Find your inner bond.

(12:37):
If you lose, you'll be up to. Is everything OK, darling?
Only the best will make it. To the end.
This is for a thing. Don't look to your rat as a
shark. Oh fuck, you know.
Remove the scorpions by their tails.
So I think you should do it. OK, So what are you going to do
then? Brian Cox is back as the

(13:01):
controller and has challenged 8 pairs of people to embark on a
007 inspired global adventure from Thailand to Mexico.
The big question still remains, what would you do for
£1,000,000? 007 Rocha Million Series 2
available now on Prime Video? OK, let's catch up with the news
then. And Aberdeen Chairman Dave
Cormack has issued A passionate call for the city to unite

(13:21):
behind plans for a new communitystadium.
Writing in the present Journal, Cormac said that celebrations
for the Scottish Catwin showed the powerful impact the club can
have on the region, bringing 10sof thousands of people into the
city centre and delivering a major boost for local
businesses. But he warned that Aberdeen
risks falling behind to other UKcities and attracting new jobs
and investment without major infrastructure projects.

(13:43):
He believes a new stadium and multi sport leisure complex at
the beach could act as a catalyst for regeneration,
generating an estimated £1 billion of economic uplift over
50 years. Cormac stressed that the club is
not asking the council to foot the entire bill.
Aberdeen FC, he says, would contribute the value of
Pittodrie and surrounding land as part of a long term lease
while covering the stadium's upkeep.

(14:05):
He pointed to successful models elsewhere such as Manchester
United's partnership with Trafford Council and urged
politicians, business leaders and the community to seize the
moment and work together to deliver a stadium that could
host international sport concerts and major youth
tournaments. Cormac's message was clear.
With the right ambition, Aberdeen compelled facilities to
match the city's aspirations andcreate a legacy for future

(14:27):
generations. On Aberdeen development side are
through to the semi finals of the Aberdeenshire cap after a
well earned 3 round victory awayto Banks of D.
The Yang Dons almost made a dream start inside the opening
minute when captain Dylan Lobb and teed at Dylan Ross that his
powerful strike was blocked by the home defence.
Aberdeen dominated possession early on with strikers Joseph
Teasdale and Tristan Stephen causing constant problems.

(14:50):
The breakthrough came after 18 minutes.
Tristan Stevens shrugged off a challenge and drove into the
box, squaring for Aaron Cummingswhose deflected strike found the
net to give the visitors the lead.
Maxidy grew into the game and grabbed an equaliser 5 minutes
before half time. Magnus Watson's pinpoint pass
was met by Lachie McLeod who hadreleased a standing volley into
the top corner. A goal that left Rodrigo Vettels

(15:11):
with no chance besides went in level at the break.
The second-half began quietly but Aberdeen strike just after
the hour with a lightning counter attack.
Zach Toll carried the ball out from deep and released Stephen,
who in turn slipped Tuesday through.
The striker showed great composure to Dinka's finish over
Daniel Hoban for two and seven minutes later Tuesday was on
target again, reacting quickest after Hoban had parried a

(15:33):
Stephen effort, tapping home to double the advantage and
effectively kill the contest. Despite some lively play from
Banksidee late on, Aberdeens defence held firm and two late
substitutions helped see out theresult.
Full time at Spain Park was Banksidee 1, Aberdeen 3 and the
Yang Dons now progressed to the semifinals of the Aberdeenshire
Cab. Will they take on Becky Thistle

(15:54):
on September the 3rd? Several of our Yang Dons have
been called up to the Scotland youth squads at various age
groups. 17 year old Fletcher Boyd and 16 year old Cooper
Mason have been both named in the Scotland and the 19 squad
for the Slovenian Nations Cup matches next month against
Slovenia, Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates.
Well, nine others of our Yang Dons have been called up to

(16:15):
training camps by Scotland. For the Scotland Under
seventeens that's Sam McLean andTheo Simpson.
For the Scotland Under sixteens that's Jay Henderson.
And for the under Fifteens were well represented.
David Okodo, Finn McCulloch, Finn Henderson, Jack Johnson,
Olie Eldrick and Rory Phillips will attend the training camp
there. It's only when you look back you

(16:37):
realise when the turning point came, like we're.
Flying in it. The moment in your life when
everything changed for me. Towels off.
For all of us. One job.

(16:59):
Like the old days. What you're saying I like.
That right, come on now, let's get started.
Release the homes. What fresh Hell's?
This now 2 stabbings are kidnapping a couple in prisons.
It's going to sound bad when youlist it like this.
We're professional thieves. Let's get smashed.

(17:33):
What's the worst that could happen?
After six incredible series, they got their back for one last
brassic available 25th of September on Sky And Now.
OK, let's catch up with AberdeenWomen who had their first home
outing of the season which endedin a narrow one nil defeat to
Glasgow City at the Balmoral. Manager Scott Booth made one

(17:53):
change to the side beaten in thecapital last week, handing Alex
Clark her first competitive start.
It was a quiet opening half hourwith City enjoying possession by
creating little. The breakthrough came in the
31st minute when Katie Lockwood's delivery was
controlled in the box and set out for Abby Harrison to finish
clinically into the bottom corner.
Aberdeen almost hit back before half time.
Alex Clark went close after goodwork from Tony Lee Finnegan but

(18:17):
goalkeeper Katie Cox kept the Dons in it with a sharp save on
the stroke of the interval. Booth introduced Hannah Stewart
and Darcy Miller at the break and Miller later came close to
an equaliser in the 72nd minute only for Lee Gibson to tipper
strike over the bar. The Dons push late on and nearly
levelled with 5 minutes to play but Stuarts volley was blocked
on the line after a scramble in the City box.

(18:37):
Despite the defeat, Aberdeen showed resilience and created
enough to suggest positives moving forward.
Next up we travel South to face Montrose.
Aberdeen Women have teamed out with Scottish Brain Sciences as
a new official partner. The SBS logo will feature on the
back of the women's first team jerseys this season, marking
another step forward for the club.
SBS is a leading research organisation tackling conditions

(19:00):
like Alzheimer's and dementia. By supporting Aberdeen Women,
they're promoting equality in sport while raising awareness of
local opportunities to take partin groundbreaking brain health
research. But.
Those in the dishwasher. The basket for the air fryer
100%. Because it's a bitch to scrub

(19:21):
the air fryer on the. Inside, no.
So you just slide because the basket slides all the way out
and then that can go in the dishwasher 100% can.
I call my wife now and tell her this.
Sure, this is amazing. Bridget, you're on the show and
I have some huge news also. How are you?
I love you. Hi, love you.
What's the huge news? Tony cleans the air fryer in the

(19:42):
dishwasher. What?
All this time I've been hand scrubbing like a pheasant.
That's actually really interesting to hear that you
hand scrub it, Bridget, because all this time Ryan's been saying
I scrub that every night. So could you confirm or deny
that for us Bridge? Well, maybe Ryan washes it, but

(20:03):
I have to rewatch it. The Tody and Ryan podcast every
week on YouTube. So a big game on Thursday night
in Romania. The club are sending out tickets
by e-mail tomorrow so you need to be super quick if you're
planning a European trip. Quickest way to purchase is to
do it online at afc.co.uk/Etickets.
Tickets cost £8. The Red Army will be housed in

(20:26):
the upper northwest corner at the Arena National at.
Seating will be unallocated. When purchasing your ticket
you'll need to provide your passport number, travel dates,
travel route and flight numbers.The match will kick off 7:30 PM
in the UK on Thursday, 9:30 PM local time and I'm expecting the
BBC will pick up the coverage again but nothing confirmed as
of yet. Likewise for Red TV, so keep a

(20:48):
lookout on our socials and the AFC Donscast website for more
details. Looking ahead, the draw for the
group stages of the UEFA Europa League or the UEFA Conference
League, they'll both take place this Friday, the 29th of August.
Seedings and groupings will be available from 7:30 AM on the
day of the draw. The draw itself will take place
in Monaco at midday UK time, although double check

(21:09):
theuefa.com website as it's beenknown to change and we'll have
the full draw on our website andon our socials when it happens.
Our Scottish League cap draw against Matthewell at Pataudi
will take place on Saturday the 20th of September.
Kick off will be at 3:00 PM and there's Scottish clubs in action
this week. On Tuesday night, Celtic face
Kairat away in the Champions League.

(21:29):
Also in the Champions League, Rangers will need to do
something special away to Club Bruges on Wednesday night to
progress. On Thursday night.
Hails also have a challenge in their UEFA Conference League
playoff against Alesia Warshaw this weekend in the Premiership
on Saturday at 3 only two matches, Livingston are at home
to Hearts and Kilmarnock are away to Motherwell.
On Sunday, it's Rangers versus Celtic and the day followed by

(21:51):
Dundee and Dundee United at 2:00PM.
We play Falkirk at Patodri at 3 and Hibs face Submarine at home
also at 3:00. And if you're looking to go to
the Falkirk game, tickets are onsale now.
Head online to afc.co.uk/E Tickets, call 01224631903 or
purchase direct at the Patodri Ticket Office.
You can also watch the match live on Red TV.

(22:12):
International audio only. In the UK and Ireland, coverage
starts at 2:50 PM. I'll be back with the AFC
Donscast next Sunday at 8:00 PM with two matches, our second leg
playoff against FCSB and the league match against Falkirk.
If you're heading to Bucharest, enjoy the trip, take it easy.
If you're not lucky enough to go, we'll hopefully be able to
celebrate our success at the Todry on Sunday.

(22:33):
That's it for this week. Thanks for listening and stand
free.