Jimmy Thelin says Aberdeen will give everything to beat FCSB and stay in Europa League

Jimmy Thelin is relishing next week’s Europa League play-off second leg in Bucharest after Aberdeen’s stirring fightback at home to FCSB on Thursday kept them in contention to make the main phase of the tournament.

It looked like the Dons were going to be left with a mountain to climb next Thursday after they trailed 2-0 to the Romanian champions with an hour on the clock.

Aided by a red card for FCSB’s Juri Cisotti late in the first half, however, Aberdeen hit back through Dante Polvara and Ester Sokler to ensure the tie is delicately poised at 2-2 at the halfway stage.

“I think it’s going to be a totally different game,” manager Thelin said of the return leg in the 55,000-capacity National Arena.

“They play at home and of course we’re away, but I’m optimistic because we’ve given ourselves a chance, and that’s the most important thing, to have that chance after being two down.

“We’re going to give everything to try to take this chance.”

Thelin said that it is “really good” that Aberdeen have a clear week to prepare for the second leg after taking advantage of a new SPFL rule that allows teams competing in the play-off round to postpone the league match scheduled in between the two legs, in this case Dundee United away.

The manager feels his team are now heading in the right direction after a demoralising start to the season, but he acknowledges they still have plenty to work on before they travel to Bucharest.

“It was small things that cost us a lot, so we have to work on those situations,” he said, alluding to the slack defending that led to both of FCSB’s goals.

“I think the players know what happened, but it’s good to have this time now to try to improve some things and be prepared.

“But now we have some power and have scored some goals, and I think we are on the right track now, with how we’re creating chances.”

Shayden Morris missed Thursday’s match with a minor injury but Thelin is optimistic he will be fit for the second leg.

“He’s looking quite fine,” said Thelin. “We’ve got some more days for recovery, so I’m expecting he’s available for Thursday.”