UEFA Conference League Matchday 6 – Sparta Prague / Matchday 17 – Celtic
Thursday nights under the lights, another European city, and once again a sold-out Red Army away end. Aberdeen’s European adventure came to an end in Prague, but not without lessons learned and pride taken from competing against high-calibre opposition on the continental stage.
This week’s AFC DONScast reflects on defeat against Sparta Prague in the final league-phase match of the UEFA Conference League. After a bright start, key moments swung the contest, but there were encouraging spells and another reminder of the value of European football for this Aberdeen squad. Reaction from Jimmy Thelin features as we assess what the campaign delivered and how it can shape progress back on the domestic front.
From Prague, attention quickly turned to Glasgow and an afternoon that will live long in the memory — albeit for painful reasons. Reduced to ten men before half-time, Aberdeen produced a remarkable display of resilience against Celtic. Inspired goalkeeping, defensive grit, and a stunning goal looked set to earn a point, only for late heartbreak to swing the result away from the Dons in the closing minutes.
Elsewhere, it was a positive week for Aberdeen B, who booked their place in the Aberdeenshire Shield final with an impressive victory in Banff, keeping hopes of a Cup and Shield double alive. There’s also discussion around Graeme Shinnie’s future at the club, clarity from the manager on speculation linking Peter Leven elsewhere, and reaction to the Scottish Government’s stance following the Pittodrie alcohol sales pilot.
As ever, the show rounds up all the key results across Scottish football, the Highland League, and the women’s game, before looking ahead to a busy festive schedule that includes a sell-out Pittodrie and a final trip of 2025.
The latest AFC DONScast is available now across all platforms. Thanks for listening, travel safe if you’re following the Dons over Christmas, and as always — Stand Free.
