Aberdeen 2-1 Eintracht Frankfurt: Barry Robson’s side earn first European group-stage win since 2007

Aberdeen took the scalp of Bundesliga heavyweights Eintracht Frankfurt to conclude their Europa Conference League campaign with a first European group-stage victory in nearly 16 years.

But Pittodrie erupted when Duk slid in his third goal in the competition, sweeping in Shayden Morris’ low cross from the right.

A more progressive second-half performance was capped by Ester Sokler’s cute finish to send Barry Robson’s side into Sunday’s Viaplay Cup final against Rangers full of confidence.

Despite the victory, Aberdeen are out of Europe having finished third in Group G, while Eintracht progresses in second place in the group.

With Sunday’s Hampden showpiece in mind, Robson made eight changes and hoped the “freshness” of his young team could upset Eintracht’s rhythm.

His hopes were far from realized initially, with Aberdeen failing to garner anything resembling a chance in the visitors’ box for much of the first half.

Eintracht had nothing to show for their dominance, though, with their profligacy punished moments before the break by Duk.

In a far more balanced second period, the hosts discovered their own groove.

Substitute Nicky Devlin claimed for a penalty but it was quickly forgotten when Dante Polvara sent a teasing ball over the top for Sokler to cushion in.

Player of the match – Kelle Roos

Perfect preparation for Sunday showdown – analysis

About time, isn’t it? A first group-stage win in Europe since 2007 and it’s the least Aberdeen’s efforts deserve from the competitive campaign they’ve had.

Robson’s side have scored in all six group games. That’s no mean feat. Had they just buried a few more – or conceded a couple fewer – it could have been a very different final matchday at Pittodrie.

It wasn’t the best performance they’ve put in during their impressive campaign, but qualities on show will need to be repeated on Sunday at Hampden.

Robson’s men were well organized and batted away everything Eintracht threw at them. Albeit it wasn’t much. They must have used it all up against Bayern at the weekend…

Seeing Aberdeen clinical on the counter is nothing new, but doing it on the big stage against a top side sets them in good stead for Hampden.

The players lapped up the applause from those still in the stands post-match. There’s a feel-good factor heading into the game now that few would have expected a matter of weeks ago.

More to follow.