Aberdeen staged an incredible fightback from two down to earn an invaluable point and keep pace with Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership as Jimmy Thelin’s dream start as Dons manager continues.
Pre-match anticipation was heightened with both sides level on points at the top of the table with 100% domestic records, leading this to be billed as the game of the season so far.
It turned into just that. This was a thriller.
The question was whether Thelin’s side could compete with the champions and send a signal that they might be capable of offering a serious title challenge.
On this evidence, the signs are very encouraging.
Celtic had looked in complete control after racing two goals clear.
Arne Engels had already been denied by the top of the crossbar, then had another fabulous opportunity but could not connect with authority, before he was the architect of the opener.
The young Belgium midfielder gathered deep in his own half and released Kyogo Furuhashi down the right channel. The striker’s Japanese compatriot, Reo Hatate, raced on to his cutback to gleefully fire home.
A quick-fire second followed when Gavin Molloy failed to clear, the ball fell kindly for Kyogo to thump home and, suddenly, Aberdeen looked doomed.
However, they responded and then some.
Leighton Clarkson ought to have pulled one back before the break but was denied by Alex Valle scampering back after going one-on-one with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Thelin, though, made changes at half-time, introducing Duk and Ester Sokler, and it paid off immediately as Sokler raced beyond Liam Scales and finished brilliantly to haul Aberdeen back into contention.
Suddenly, it was game on and Topi Keskinen pounced on Auston Trusty’s slip and should have played in Duk before Scales slid in to rescue Celtic.
Aberdeen did find an unbelievable leveller when captain Graeme Shinnie fired from the edge of the box and the ball deflected wildly and beyond Schmeichel.
They then thought they had completed an unbelievable turnaround when Duk bundled home, but the goal was ruled out for handball after a VAR check.
Celtic threatened deep into stoppage time and were denied by two goal-line blocks. First, Mitov from Adam Idah’s close-range then Duk from Alistair Johnston – the VAR check ruling out hand ball in the final act of a breathtaking game.
More to follow.