Stephen Craigan
Former Motherwell captain on TNT Sports

You cannot do that. I would be very surprised if VAR is not having a look at this.

That is a clear and obvious error that no-one has noticed that, this is why we have VAR. That is definitely a red card.

Ouch!published at 20:35 British Summer Time 5 October 2023

20:35 BST 5 October 2023

Aberdeen 0-0 HJK Helsinki

Duk is rolling around holding his head and it's due an elbow he's received from HJK midfielder Kanellópoulos.

It looks a real sore one. VAR might have a look...

Image source, SNS

Half an hour in and neither side have really hit their stride yet.

Both still kinda feeling each other out.

Stephen Craigan
Former Motherwell captain on TNT Sports

You can't underestimate how difficult a skill that is. Miovski is having to manipulate his body to try and generate some power and he does it ever so well.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Scotland at Pittodrie

The 'Duuuuuuuuuuuk' chants ring out as the little striker starts to run things up top for the Dons.

As well as his usual impressive work rate, the trademark flicks and tricks are starting to come out now as well.

The home support would rather be chanting his name for a goal though.

Ahh, that's so close.

Bojan Miovski does brilliantly do direct a diving header towards goal, but it spins just wide of the left-hand post.

Rory Loy
Former Dundee & St Mirren forward on BBC Sportsound

Fans react to the hard work and determination. Duk has shown that twice in the last few minutes, working his socks off.

Graeme Shinnie has also grown into this game. He's in great form, he's breaking up in midfield, driving forward, ordering players around. He's showing signs that he can really take control of this match.

Duk bursts to the bye-line but sees his cutback blocked.

The Dons forward then picks himself back up to make a challenge that's greeted with a huge cheer.

Image source, SNS

Aberdeen are showing signs of clicking into gear as Leighton Clarkson's corner causes problems before being cleared.

First real big Aberdeen chance.

Stefan Gartenmann flights a ball into the box and Duk gets the deftest of flick-ons on to it.

Jesse Ost reacts superbly though to save.

Willie Miller
Former Aberdeen captain on BBC Sportsound

Aberdeen need to take an extra touch in midfield. I'd like to see them link better. McGrath is playing far too forward, he needs to drop back. Duk and Miovski need more space.

The three in midfield aren't working together and it means the wing-backs aren't getting involved. They need to stop the killer ball over the top.

Graeme Shinnie does do well turn his man then drive into the HJK half.

But he's let down by Jack MacKenzie's pass moments later.

Stephen Craigan
Former Motherwell captain on TNT Sports

They have nullified each other in the opening 10 minutes.

As the game progresses they will start to sound each other out and work out where the weaknesses are.

Quite a subdued start for Aberdeen in all honesty.

That goes for the atmosphere as well.

Rory Loy
Former Dundee & St Mirren forward on BBC Sportsound

Helsinki look a lot more composed in possession when they're under pressure in their own half.

They've shown a few times now they can play.

Stephen Craigan
Former Motherwell captain on TNT Sports

As much as we were expecting Aberdeen to be aggressive, HJK clearly have that mindset as well.

The name (Filip) Rogic will be giving Aberdeen fans the fear.

But the HJK number eight doesn't have the same composure as former Celtic midfielder Tam, blasting over with a big chance in the box.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Scotland at Pittodrie

Who will come out on top in the Battle of the Bojans?

The Aberdeen variety - Miovski - will be looking to continue his free scoring start to the season.

But Radulovic - the Helsinki Bojan - has rattled in 22 goals for the Finns this term and will fancy his chances of taking any chances that present themselves to him this evening.

Bojan Miovski channelling his inner Zizou as he spins away from two men on halfway after Aberdeen deal with a HJK corner.

Stephen Craigan
Former Motherwell captain on TNT Sports

Even though they are from Finland, I don't think anyone should write off HJK.

It is important that Aberdeen are patient off the ball. They need to pick their moments.