Aberdeen come from behind to draw with HJK in snow-delayed thriller

Chris Heath

Aberdeen's match against HJK was delayed at half-time for the pitch could be cleared of snowProfimedia

HJK Helsinki and Aberdeen are both still winless in the 2023/24 UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) group stage after the Scottish outfit came from two goals down to rescue a 2-2 draw at a snow-drenched Bolt Arena.

Having lost their previous four matches across all competitions, HJK began on the front foot against the backdrop of steady snow at the Bolt Arena, as Kelle Roos denied Topi Keskinen with a sublime save.

However, there was nothing that the Aberdeen goalkeeper could do to prevent the reigning Finnish champions from breaking the deadlock in the 16th minute, as Hassane Bandé unleashed a venomous strike that flew past Roos.

The hosts had their tails up, and were inches away from doubling their lead moments later with Santeri Hostikka’s fearsome effort beating Roos, but not the crossbar.

Nonetheless, Hostikka would indeed get his name on the scoresheet shortly after the half-hour, as the forward exquisitely took the ball away from the Aberdeen defence on the edge of the area before slotting the ball into the far corner.

A miserable first half did have a silver lining for the Dons, who halved the deficit through Angus MacDonald’s stunning strike that nestled in the top corner.

Inspired by MacDonald’s breathtaking strike just before half-time, Aberdeen clawed themselves back on level terms in the 56th minute as Duk instinctively headed home at the back post following Richard Jensen’s flick-on back across the six-yard area.

Unbelievably, the Scottish Premiership outfit nearly turned the match on its head only a short while after their leveller, but substitute Ester Sokler could only turn away in frustration as HJK goalkeeper Niki Mäenpää produced a stellar save to keep the scoreline level.

Snow was removed off the pitch at half-timeProfimedia

After a brief interruption in play following a heavy downfall of snow, both sides would exchange viable opportunities to secure the match-winner, but ultimately were left to settle for a point apiece in dreadful playing conditions.

Only a victory in Greece over PAOK will prevent HJK from finishing bottom of Group G, while Aberdeen travel to face Eintracht Frankfurt also looking to break their winning duck after a miserable campaign.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Angus MacDonald (Aberdeen)