UEFA Conference Matchday 5 – RC Strasbourg / Matchday 16 – Kilmarnock
It’s a bumper edition of the AFC DONScast this week as Aberdeen’s schedule delivers both European emotion and domestic drama in the space of four days.
We begin at Pittodrie on Thursday night, where Aberdeen welcomed RC Strasbourg for a historic first meeting with French opposition. Knowing a win was essential to keep our European hopes alive, the Dons produced a high-energy, front-foot performance against a side sitting top of the Conference League group. A disallowed first-half goal, missed chances and a decisive counter-attack ultimately proved costly, as Strasbourg edged the contest despite sustained Aberdeen pressure and a heroic goalkeeping display from Dimitar Mitov.
While European progress came to an end, the performance ensured the Dons bowed out with their heads held high.
The focus then quickly shifted back to league action today (Sunday), with Kilmarnock visiting Pittodrie. After a sluggish opening period and a first-half setback, the introduction of captain Graeme Shinnie transformed the afternoon. Aberdeen surged forward after the break, eventually drawing level through debutant Kenan Bilalovic before Jesper Karlsson calmly converted a late penalty to seal a dramatic 2–1 comeback win. The result extends Aberdeen’s strong unbeaten run and underlined the side’s resilience and leadership.
Beyond the match action, this week’s DONScast also covers significant off-field developments. Talks between Aberdeen FC and Aberdeen City Council over the proposed new beachfront stadium have been described as positive, with both parties now working towards a set of non-binding heads of terms. While no final decisions have been made, momentum has clearly returned to a project that could shape the club’s long-term future.
There is also progress to report on the pitch elsewhere. Aberdeen’s development side booked their place in the Aberdeenshire Shield semi-finals with a composed win over Banks o’ Dee, while Graeme Shinnie reached the landmark of 30 European appearances for the club. Goalkeeper Rodrigo Vitols has joined Banks o’ Dee on emergency loan, and there are updates from Aberdeen Women, the 122nd AGM, Scottish Cup fixture confirmation, ticket news and a comprehensive Scottish football round-up, including Highland League and League Cup final reaction.
With Christmas fixtures approaching and a revised festive DONScast schedule ahead, it’s another full-on episode packed with reaction and all the latest Dons news.
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