Aberdeen take on the visitors FCSB in the first leg of UEFA Europa League Qualification final round. The match will be played on Thursday, August 21st at Pittodrie Stadium (Aberdeen).
Aberdeen have long stopped thinking about competing for the league title. After all, Celtic and Rangers are far stronger in the Premiership. But quite often, this team finished third, right behind the Glasgow giants. Last season, however, was mediocre, bringing only a fifth-place finish. The Scottish Cup triumph partly compensated for this, though. At the start of the new campaign, results have been disappointing: first, a 0-2 defeat to potential rivals Hearts, then the same scoreline at home against main title favorites Celtic. Only last week did they finally record a win, defeating minnows Greenock Morton 3-0 in the League Cup. Aberdeen’s inconsistency at the beginning of the season raises concerns, but at the same time, their defensive issues could make their games more open. The team is still searching for balance, especially in attack, where efficiency in front of goal has been lacking.
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FCSB have been largely disappointing so far. Since their forced rebranding, Steaua have had turbulent years. Still, they managed to regain their status as a national powerhouse, reclaiming the championship after a long pause two seasons ago and retaining it in 2024/25. They started the current campaign well: winning the Romanian Super Cup and beating Inter Escaldes in the first Champions League qualifier. But then came a shock exit against Shkëndija, losing 0-1 in North Macedonia and 1-2 at home. Meanwhile, domestic results have also been unconvincing. At least in the Europa League they handled Drita, scoring three times in both matches — 3-2 and 3-1. However, inconsistency has been their main problem, as they tend to slip against weaker teams. The Bucharest side must find stability quickly if they want to compete on both domestic and European fronts.
Both clubs are experienced in European competitions. However, this will be the first time FCSB travel to Aberdeen. This looks like an even contest, with the home advantage balanced by the visitors’ greater European pedigree. The bet here is on over 2.0 goals.
Prediction for the match: Over 2.0 scored goals.
