Match overview
Aberdeen secured their first Conference League point of the season with a hard-fought goalless draw against AEK Larnaca in Cyprus. Under Jimmy Thelin, the Scottish side produced a disciplined display to frustrate their hosts, earning a valuable result on the road in the latest round of the UEFA Conference League group stage.
Both teams crafted chances but failed to convert, leaving the scoreboard at 0-0 as the final whistle blew. The result keeps Aberdeen in contention in Group E, while AEK Larnaca will feel they should have taken all three points on home turf.
Team news and tactical setup
Aberdeen lined up with a compact 4-3-3 shape, designed to neutralise the hosts and exploit counter-attacking opportunities. The midfield trio provided a solid shield in front of the back four, with the wide forwards looking to stretch play when space opened up.
AEK Larnaca, aiming to return to winning ways in front of their home fans, deployed a balanced 4-2-3-1 formation. The hosts emphasized width and tempo in the early stages, seeking to put Aberdeen under pressure through quick switches and overlapping full-backs.
Key moments
The game opened with a high-intensity start, as both sides probed for gaps. Aberdeen created two encouraging breaks midway through the first half, but a composed backline for AEK Larnaca snuffed out the danger at the edge of the box.
In the second period, Aberdeen carried a greater threat on the counter. AEA K Larnaca’s defense rode a few late challenges, but the visitors failed to convert their chances in the final third. The closest moment of the night came when a shot from the edge of the box narrowly missed the target, skimmed the post, and stayed out of reach of an onrushing striker.
Defensively, Aberdeen remained disciplined, repelling crosses and nullifying set-piece danger, while their goalkeeper produced a crucial save to preserve the clean sheet late on. The hosts pushed for a late breakthrough, but Aberdeen’s organisation and resilience held firm.
Reaction and analysis
Post-match reaction highlighted Aberdeen’s clean sheet as a tangible reward for tactical discipline and work-rate. Thelin praised his side’s resilience and their ability to execute a game plan while acknowledging the need to better exploit counter-attacking moments in future fixtures.
For AEK Larnaca, the draw is a missed opportunity to claim three points at home, with the team emphasizing the importance of converting later chances and maintaining intensity for the full 90 minutes.
Stats snapshot
• Possession and shot data reflected a tight, evenly contested match. • Aberdeen’s defensive solidity was evident as they restricted clear-cut opportunities for the hosts. • Both sides logged attempts on goal, but neither could find the final touch.
What this means going forward
Aberdeen can head into the next group stage games buoyed by securing a point on the road. The point adds to their earlier results and keeps qualification hopes alive, with room to improve in the final third. AEK Larnaca will need to convert chances more consistently as they continue their bid to progress from the group.
Next up, both clubs will look to build on the performance as the UEFA Conference League schedule continues. Fans can expect more live updates, in-depth match analysis, and post-match reaction in the coming days.
