Substitutes help revive Aberdeen’s Europa League hopes

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Aberdeen 2 - 2 FCSB

Dante Polvara and Ester Sokler came off the bench to breathe life into Aberdeen’s Europa League ambitions, rescuing a draw against 10-man FCSB after trailing by two goals.

Author | Mark Lee

Stadium | Pittodrie

Europa League League 25 26 | - Aberdeen fans pre match v FCSB
Pre match atmosphere

Defensive errors threatened to undo the Scottish Cup winners in the play-off first leg at Pittodrie, even after the Romanian champions were reduced to 10 men for almost an hour. Jack Milne and Gavin Molloy collided under a high ball, allowing Daniel Birligea to break the deadlock while both sides were still at full strength.

Just after the interval, Molloy and substitute Mats Knoester failed to clear their lines and Birligea capitalised again, squaring for Darius Olaru to double the lead. That lapse undermined the advantage Aberdeen might have gained from Juri Cisotti’s dismissal shortly before half-time for a rash challenge on Nicolas Milanovic.

READ MORE | Europa League 25/26 season

But Polvara’s introduction shifted the momentum. The midfielder rifled a shot in off the post to halve the deficit before Sokler powered home a 90th-minute header to ignite Pittodrie. Polvara almost completed the turnaround deep into stoppage-time, only to see his close-range header repelled by Stefan Tarnovanu in the FCSB goal.

Aberdeen are already assured of Conference League football, whatever happens in Bucharest next Thursday. Yet the nature of their revival means the Europa League remains firmly within reach.

Europa League League 25 26 | Aberdeen v FCSB

Polvara cameo brings Aberdeen back in the tie

Polvara has been a player Aberdeen supporters have long wanted to see more of since Jimmy Thelin arrived last season.

Injuries denied him that chance for much of the last campaign, while this term the manager has largely kept him out of the starting line-up. Here, though, he showed why there has been such demand for his inclusion. His physical presence, close control and instinct for crucial goals stood out, offering a vital outlet as Aberdeen pressed against ten men with his persistent runs into the box.

READ MORE | News from across Scotland

His left-footed finish on the turn was superb and lit a spark in a side that had looked blunt in attack until then. If he is fit, it is hard to see him not starting the return leg.

Sokler also deserves mention. Sidelined so far this season, the Slovenian has not been prolific in front of goal but his aerial strength and tireless work rate made a real difference. Together with Leighton Clarkson’s composure in midfield, the pair helped transform the game and rescue a tie that had threatened to slip away.

Location: Pittodrie Stadium, Pittodrie St, Aberdeen AB24 5QH, UK

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