PAOK Salonika vs Aberdeen. UEFA Europa Conference League Group G.
Toumba StadiumAttendance19,019.
Match report as Jamie McGrath earns Aberdeen point against PAOK but Dons exit Europa Conference League after failing to win in Greece; Luis 'Duk' Lopes also on target but hosts claim draw
Friday 10 November 2023 09:32, UK
Jamie McGrath's 30-yard free-kick earned Aberdeen a point against PAOK in Greece but it was not enough to keep the Dons in the Europa Conference League beyond Christmas.
McGrath struck soon after PAOK took the lead midway through the second half after fighting back from an early opener from Luis 'Duk' Lopes.
The 2-2 draw in Thessaloniki earned Aberdeen their second point in Group G but PAOK moved to 10 points, while Eintracht Frankfurt's win over HJK Helsinki moved the Germans on to nine points after four games.
The damage in the group had been done when PAOK fought back from a two-goal deficit to win at Pittodrie deep in stoppage-time two weeks earlier.
Aberdeen manager Barry Robson believes his side will be better for the experience.
"It's all about learning," the former Celtic midfielder said. "I did it myself as a player, in every European game you get better, better and better.
"This is new to a lot of them, and these are big group games against proper, proper teams.
"We passed the ball really well for bits in the first half and you know, with the quality they have, we are going to have to defend. We did that.
"I thought we might have carried a bit more of a threat but in the end we had a go, as hard as it was because of how heavy-legged the players were.
"I am so proud, and so proud of those fans. They were absolutely bouncing and they could see we tried to give them a win."
Aberdeen started with top goalscorer Bojan Miovski on the bench and Duk seized his chance in the starting line-up.
The Dons took the lead in the 14th minute after Nicky Devlin played a one-two with Ryan Duncan and delivered a low cross. Duk rolled his marker and netted on the turn from eight yards.
The hosts were level nine minutes later. Aberdeen centre-back Slobodan Rubezic lost a tackle with Taison and failed to track his opponents' run properly. The Brazilian played a one-two and slotted home.
McGrath might have wondered whether the video assistant referee would intervene after Vieirinha escaped with a yellow card for stamping on his ankle.
The Dons survived some serious pressure to go in level at half-time. Rubezic hit his own post as he blocked a cross, Vieirinha tested the Dons with some teasing crosses and Brandon hit the post.
Aberdeen goalkeeper Kelle Roos made two saves in the opening minutes of the second half before the Dons came back into it without threatening.
PAOK put the pressure on with a series of set-pieces and Mbwana Samatta eventually nodded home from a crowded goalmouth in the 67th minute.
The Greek side's lead only lasted three minutes when McGrath found the corner of the net with a well-struck free-kick after Duk had been pushed.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder was soon the victim of a penalty award despite not touching his opponent, Giannis Konstantelias. The decision was reversed after a VAR review but it was the second time in 10 minutes that a PAOK player had escaped punishment for an outrageous penalty-box dive.
Miovski replaced McGrath in the 78th minute but neither the Macedonian striker nor any of his team-mates would get a late chance to keep the Dons in the qualification hunt.
It was PAOK who finished the stronger team. Stefan Schwab missed a great headed chance and Roos saved from Taison before Aberdeen held out from some sustained pressure.
Aberdeen's only late attacks came via several long throws from Richard Jensen but none of them led to a chance.
Aberdeen have reported racist abuse which was allegedly directed towards Senegalese forward Pape Habib Gueye during their Europa Conference League encounter against PAOK in Greece.
The Dons revealed that it was brought to their attention during the second half that the unused substitute was "the victim of racial abuse from a section of PAOK supporters".
A statement added: "Aberdeen FC club staff immediately informed the UEFA venue director and following conclusion of the match met with the UEFA match delegate to officially report the matter.
"Pape has the unwavering support of his teammates and all at Aberdeen FC will liaise fully with UEFA during the course of their investigations into this very serious matter.
"As a club we have zero tolerance for any form of discrimination or racist abuse. There is no place for such behaviour in football, or society as a whole."
Robson was "gutted but so proud" after his side's Europa Conference League qualification hopes ended.
Robson told RedTV after the game in Thessaloniki: "A difficult one to take. You can see how good a side they are - they beat Olympiacos 4-2 at the weekend, they beat Eintracht Frankfurt here.
"We went toe to toe with them and gave them a real go and we have drawn 2-2. The home game we were 2-0 up after 78 minutes. I think Eintracht Frankfurt away was one of our best performances you will see in Europe for a long, long time.
"I sit here so frustrated and disappointed because we deserve to have more points on the board.
"We have been outstanding against some brilliant teams. If you go back to the Hacken games, Helsinki when we missed the chances, Eintracht Frankfurt away, two PAOK games, we have been outstanding. Little, wee details cost us.
"I am so gutted but I am so proud of my players. We have come into Europe and had a real go and that's what I wanted."
Aberdeen's final fixture before the international break comes on Sunday as they face Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 2.30pm. Their next Europa Conference League fixture is on Thursday November 30 away to HJK Helsinki.
PAOK face Panetolikos in the Greek Super League on Sunday; kick-off 3.30pm. Their next Europa League fixture is on Thursday November 30 against Eintracht Frankfurt.
