Aberdeen

Liam McLeod
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

For years, Aberdeen supporters have dreaded the idea of a trip to Celtic Park.

They have experienced some of the worst results in the club's history inside that stadium in the last 25 years and while, on this latest occasion, it ended their 13-game winning run and extended the winless sequence in this fixture, the Dons took the plaudits as well as a precious point from Glasgow's east end.

As legendary captain Willie Miller often opines, and he should know, for Aberdeen to enjoy real success in the league they must take points home from Glasgow and quite how they managed it from 2-0 down to the champions by half-time was remarkable.

To put the comeback in context, it had been 14 years since a domestic side claimed something from a game at Parkhead that they had trailed by two goals in.

Last week I pointed out Jimmy Thelin hadn't been scarred by this fixture like so many of his predecessors have been, and in the end either team could have won on what was a thrilling afternoon where the Swede's half-time switches paid incredible dividends. The celebrations that greeted Duk's late goalline clearance were akin to that of a goal itself up the other end.

The low possession statistics which accompanied the resurrection and performance will have surprised no one who watched Thelin's Elfsborg side beat Swedish champions Malmo 3-1 in early May with just 19% possession. Efficiency at its best.

The weekend results saw the Dons increase the gap between themselves and Celtic to third-placed Rangers to six points and it comes ahead of a mouthwatering double-header at Pittodrie with Dundee United and the Ibrox side visiting in the space of four days. Both matches will be sellouts and are always highlights of the fixture list.

United will make the short trip up the A90 with boss Jim Goodwin returning to Pittodrie for the first time since losing the Aberdeen job last year. It is incredible to think it was just last year and he will be extra motivated to be the one who inflicts defeat on Thelin for the first time in Scottish football.

If the Dons conjure up three wins in their next three, and this is a side that hasn’t lost in 90 minutes since March, to at least stay with Celtic at the top of the Premiership and make it to another League Cup final, those who aren't standing up and paying notice yet, will be.

With the mood in Aberdeen verging on fever pitch after the Dons' second-half comeback at Celtic, German football commentator Derek Rae has stirred the excitement further by drawing parallels with Bayer Leverkusen.

Xabi Alonso's unfancied side claimed their first top-flight crown in sensational fashion last term, going the entire league campaign unbeaten.

Aberdeen were the last non-Old Firm club to win the Scotland's top division way back in 1985, but a superb start to the current season, coupled with Saturday's 2-2 draw in Glasgow, has intensified talk of an unlikely title challenge.

After winning their first seven Premiership matches, Jimmy Thelin's men travelled for a top-of-the-table showdown at Celtic, who had also enjoyed a perfect league start.

Going in at the break 2-0 down, it looked like Brendan Rodgers' side would serve the Dons a reality check, but the away side came back to earn a draw in a thrilling encounter.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, Aberdeen fan Rae said: "Aberdeen-kusen, it's just a bit of fun to be honest. It's an intersection of my two worlds, being from Aberdeen and covering the Bundesliga.

"Having seen Leverkusen's very first Bundesliga title victory last season, they did it on the back of an unbeaten domestic campaign and the similarities are there when you think about the start of the last campaign.

"There were a few of us who believed in Leverkusen. We knew it was a very good team on the up with Alonso as their coach and some excellent players.

"But they were fighting against the juggernaut that is Bayern Munich, who had won 11 Bundesliga titles in a row.

"And we've seen what Aberdeen have done so far this season, so I just sort of see this synergy between the two.

"If you go back to last season, one of the key results in the first half of the campaign was Leverkusen going to face the mighty Bayern in Munich, and they came away with - you guessed it - a 2-2 draw."

Gary Scott
Fan writer

Whisper it… Jimmy Thelin's Aberdeen might just be the real deal.

The men in red visited Parkhead on Saturday in fine fettle with a 100% record from 13 games this season, although rabble rousers in the media would have you believe the Dons had yet to be tested.

After a fairly bright opening, the travelling Red Army would have been forgiven for fearing the worst when Kyogo Furuhashi made it 2-0 on 27 minutes as Celtic hit the Dons with a quickfire double.

In years gone by that would have signalled the beginning of a long afternoon in Glasgow's East End - but not this time.

Under the watchful eye of Sir Alex Ferguson, Thelin's positive changes and tactical tweaks at half-time paid instant dividends as Ester Sokler scored his second goal in as many games against the champions with a cool finish from an outrageous pass by the outstanding Jamie McGrath.

Graeme Shinnie's deflected effort on the hour was no more than Aberdeen deserved for a vigorous, attack-minded and courageous opening 15 minutes to the second half.

The home side were rattled and the roar that went around Celtic Park when Duk had his goal disallowed for handball was testament to the panic Aberdeen had imposed.

Aberdeen's rearguard stood tall amid late pressure with key saves by Dimitar Mitov keeping the sides level before Duk popped up on the line to deny a certain winner for Alistair Johnston – a block celebrated like a goal by Dons players and fans.

The re-emergence of Duk after a summer spent AWOL from Pittodrie is another example of the incredible man-management that Thelin has already delivered in spades. Since his return against Hearts, Duk's contributions have directly led to four points being put on the board and he looks energised and motivated to deliver.

Incredibly, Aberdeen are now unbeaten in three games against Celtic for the first time since the 1990s. There's confidence building that our upcoming meeting at Hampden in the League Cup semi-final is winnable if the Dons deliver a performance of the same magnitude as Saturday.

With Rangers slipping up at Kilmarnock on Sunday, the improbable also happened – Aberdeen travelled to Parkhead and extended their lead over third spot.

While it remains incredibly unlikely Aberdeen take the title back to the north east, it feels like a genuine opportunity is developing for the Glasgow sides to be split. If Thelin can guide his team to four or more points from his next two outings, that belief will grow further.

Not that the quiet and unassuming Swede will have any truck with such discourse – Aberdeen's mantra of "staying humble" remains - but the Red Army are maybe just starting to dream, just that little bit.

Gary Scott can be found at the ABZ Football Podcast, external

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Former Rangers and Motherwell striker Ross McCormack thinks Aberdeen are going to be "very dangerous" for the Old Firm this season.

Speaking to the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, the ex-Scotland international isn't sure if Jimmy Thelin's side will be title contenders but insists they'll pose a big threat.

The Dons drew 2-2 with Celtic at Parkhead on Friday after being 2-0 down at half-time in Glasgow to continue their unbeaten record under manager Jimmy Thelin.

"Not to be disrespectful to the other teams in the league but that was probably their biggest test yet," McCormack said.

"In my eyes, they passed it. Especially with that second-half performance.

"So they'll take a huge amount of confidence moving forward from that game.

"When teams are on winning runs and they've got that never say die attitude and they always believe that they can get something, then they're very dangerous."

BBC Sportscene pundits Neil McCann and Barry Robson discuss Aberdeen's fightback in their 2-2 draw against Celtic.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Dimitar Mitov is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premiership. He had a few moments in the first half against Celtic that weren't wholly convincing but ended up producing heroic, vital stops to keep the champions at bay as Aberdeen secured a point – and proved a point in the process. He was at the centre of the celebration scenes at the end.

The jury was out on Slobodan Rubezic when he first arrived at Pittodrie. The potential and attributes were clearly there but the hot-headedness often got in the way. Most of the rough edges are starting to smooth out now. A colossus at the back for the Dons in the gladiatorial arena of Celtic Park, a defiant display as he and the men in red held on to repel the green and white onslaught.

Jamie McGrath is a huge player for Aberdeen but I still get the feeling he flies a bit under the radar for some reason. He has been utterly superb for Jimmy Thelin all season and his two assists at Celtic Park underlined his class. His through ball for Ester Sokler in particular was a thing of beauty.

Aberdeen will equal their all-time unbeaten record if they avoid defeat in their next three games and match a milestone set by then manager Alex Ferguson 41 years ago. (The Herald), external

Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie has revealed the calm and collected half-time team talk from manager Jimmy Thelin that led to their two-goal fightback to draw at Celtic Park. (Daily Record), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

Andrew: Sure Aberdeen rode their luck at times, but thoroughly deserved a share of the points. The difference this year I would say is that they can go to the bench and bring on players who can really make the difference. And of course Jimmy Thelin who has them playing with confidence without getting carried away... long may it continue.

Ross: The psychology that Thelin has instilled in this team is the biggest factor; he said before the game it was important to pick up points in these types of games and it shone through in the attitude on show at Celtic Park. The desire was to win but the determination was not to be beaten!

Dandies: It’s great to see a team playing with hunger, passion and energy again, Thelin has worked wonders with the players and the players have reacted. Can we win the league? Why not!

Lindsey: What a game! Tactically we got it just right. It helps when all the players are positive and raise their level to contend for every ball.Jamie McGrath particularly was spectacular. After being 2-0 down we kept up the fight. Early substitutions made all the difference, and having a bench of quality players is significant to seeing out the game.

Paul: Celtic were the acid test and it ended up pH 7. The real test now is how they play against Dundee United and Rangers. Six points at home against them will be an unarguable statement. On the displays thus far, the gap between the Dons and Old Firm has been narrowed, but they must keep beating the rest. First class Mr Thelin.

Marti: Last season if 2-0 down after 28 mins it would've ended up six or seven, so credit to Jimmy for making the changes at half-time. I'm absolutely loving it.

Jack: We’re going to win the league!!! Beat everyone and draw with Celtic in rest of the games and it’s ours.

Image source, SNS

• Aberdeen have scored in their last 13 games in the Premiership, their longest run of games with a goal in the competition since a run of 16 games from 24 October 2014 to 21 February 2015.

• Celtic have scored in their last 17 games in the Premiership, their longest run of games with a goal in the competition since a run of 27 games from 1 October 2022 to 7 May 2023.

• Kyogo Furuhashi has scored four goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), no Celtic player has more.

• Jamie McGrath has assisted six goals in the Premiership this season (two in this game), more than any other player.

Aberdeen came from two goals down to draw 2-2 away to Scottish Premiership champions Celtic.

Their 100% start to the season has been ended, but Jimmy Thelin's side remain unbeaten and level on points with Saturday's hosts, only behind on goal difference.

Were you at the game or watch the highlights on TV?

Either way, give us your thoughts here., external

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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The question was whether Jimmy Thelin's side could compete with the reigning champions and send a signal that they might be capable of offering a serious title challenge.

On this evidence, the signs are very, very encouraging. There is a long way to go, of course, but Aberdeen fans left Celtic Park euphorically.

The Dons started fairly brightly, but the script looked to be following familiar lines when they went two down. Their response was magnificent.

Thelin talked pre-match about sticking to the identity and style they have been adopting and how the players would react if that was tested and they were put under pressure.

To come from two down was incredible. To have the chances to win it bordered on the unbelievable.

Yes, they rode their luck at times as Celtic frantically searched for a winner, but this was a statement performance and result.

For the doubters that presumed Aberdeen's start might be a fleeting foray to the higher regions of the Premiership, this display lends significant weight to the idea that they have a serious manager with a determination in his squad to succeed.

Jimmy Thelin tells BBC Scotland: "It was a really emotional game. We said at half-time, we have to calm down a little and come back to our strategy. We needed to find a way and to do that was to be a little more true to ourselves.

"I think we have an amazing squad and team spirit. We have had some late winners this season, showing our never give in mentality. Also, the away support helped us to get this energy.

"These games are important and difficult. They are going to test us in every area of our game. The most important thing is that we stick together inside games and find ways to perform well. I'm happy with that.

"We only focus on the next game. We don't focus on what happened already or the future. We now re-focus our energy for the game against Dundee United at Pittodrie.

"This support, we need it every game. We may have hard times and also good times. Togetherness is the most important thing."

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Jimmy Thelin opts to go unchanged from his side's 3-2 home victory over Hearts two weekends ago.

National team trio Nicky Devlin, Kevin Nisbet and Jack MacKenzie all start for the Dons.

Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Valle, McGregor, Engels, Hatate, Kuhn, Kyogo, Maeda.

Substitutes: Sinisalo, Palma, Idah, Yang, McCowan, Bernardo, Forrest, Ralston, Welsh.

Aberdeen: Mitov, Devlin, Rubezic, Molloy, MacKenzie, Shinnie, Heltne Nilsen, Keskinen, Clarkson, McGrath, Nisbet.

Substitutes: Doohan, Duk, Besuijen, Palaversa, Sokler, Morris, Milne, MacDonald, Ambrose.

Image source, SNS

Celtic will make a late decision on Cameron Carter-Vickers after the defender trained on Friday as he looks to shake off a toe injury. Greg Taylor (calf) is the only definite absentee.

Aberdeen are without top goalscorer Pape Habib Gueye (quad) while Dante Polvara has stepped up his recovery from a hamstring injury but is not ready.

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin addresses the media before his side's trip to Celtic Park in the Scottish Premiership.

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Jimmy Thelin has "nothing to say" about people who suggest Aberdeen are yet to be tested, as his side prepare to face Celtic away from home this weekend.

The Dons have won every game in all competitions this season and are only being kept off top spot in the Scottish Premiership by the goal-scoring record of their opponents this weekend.

Despite the Dons' relentless form, some have suggested they have yet to play a top team this campaign, and that's something manager Thelin has dismissed.

"I have nothing to say about that, I'm only thinking about the game-by-game," he said.

"It's football, football is not easy, every team has strengths and weaknesses and every game is competitive.

"That's what we try to build the team on, and then what other people think, I don't care actually about that."

On the challenge Celtic can pose his side, Thelin added: "I think Celtic's history, what they've achieved so far also this season, it speaks for itself.

"But still, football is football, and tomorrow is a game.

"It's 90 minutes and we have to give everything, I think everybody has to come out as the best they can be, but also that we believe we can show our fans that we believe in what we are doing and stay strong in that and then give everything we have.

"That's the idea we have, and we have a clear game plan. We know of course what Celtic are good at and also try to find some weaknesses and attack them there, but also how we need to defend.

"I think one of the main things tomorrow is how good we are ourselves with the ball."