Aberdeen pick up first Conference League point
AEK Larnaca 0 - 0 Aberdeen
Aberdeen claimed their first point of the Conference League campaign after battling to a goalless draw against AEK Larnaca in Cyprus.
Author | Chris Thomas
Stadium | AEK Arena George Karapatakis
Jimmy Thelin’s side had endured a tough start to the group, losing 3-2 to Shakhtar Donetsk before a heavy 6-0 defeat to AEK Athens. Larnaca, meanwhile, came into the game buoyed by victories over AZ Alkmaar and FA Cup holders Crystal Palace.
Despite that contrast in form, Aberdeen produced a composed and disciplined performance, limiting their hosts to few clear chances and threatening on the break.
The home side came closest in the first half when defender Hrvoje Milicevic struck the base of the post from distance before curling another effort narrowly wide moments later.
Aberdeen carved out opportunities of their own through Jack Milne, who dragged a shot wide and later headed over, while Jesper Karlsson’s deflected strike also flew just past the post.
The second half looked to be petering out until a frantic finale saw both sides squander golden chances to win it.
In the 90th minute, Topi Keskinen surged forward and found Nicolas Milanovic unmarked at the far post, only for the winger to slice wide from close range. Then, deep into stoppage time, substitute Karol Angielski somehow headed wide for Larnaca with the goal gaping.
Aberdeen’s attack misfired once again as their struggles in front of goal continued.
Aberdeen were so close to a memorable win.pic.twitter.com/fC0EIQStV4
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Their previous outing in the Conference League brought a humbling six-goal defeat to AEK Athens, but this performance, while far more disciplined, did little to ease concerns about their lack of creativity.
Thelin’s side remain the lowest scorers in Scotland’s top flight, and there was little sign of a coherent attacking plan in Cyprus. Much of their forward play relied on moments of individual inspiration from Jesper Karlsson, who was often left to conjure something from nothing.
Marko Lazetic worked tirelessly up front but received little support, while Nicolas Milanovic’s late miss encapsulated Aberdeen’s current impotence in front of goal.
The high-pressing, energetic football that defined the early stages of Thelin’s reign appears to have vanished. With a difficult run of fixtures looming before the new year, the Aberdeen manager faces an urgent task to rekindle his side’s attacking spark.
