The European soccer club currently boasting the best performance this season, with an impressive record of 13 victories in 13 matches, might surprise many observers. This team, which finished last season in the lower half of its domestic league, has not claimed a league title since 1985 and has yet to qualify for the Champions League in its modern format. Nonetheless, it retains a unique distinction as the last team to defeat Real Madrid in a European club final, a remarkable feat achieved 41 years ago under the guidance of legendary manager Alex Ferguson.
The exciting days of the 1980s when Ferguson led Aberdeen to glory are being brought back to life by an unexpected strong start this season. Aberdeen is set to face its toughest challenge yet as they travel to Celtic Park to take on league leaders Celtic, the reigning champions who also maintain a perfect record in the Scottish Premiership with seven consecutive wins. Almost a year has passed since Aberdeen suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat during their last visit to Celtic Park, a match which took place under three different managerial regimes.
This season, Swedish coach Jimmy Thelin joined Aberdeen and has revitalized the team, known affectionately by fans as the Dandy Dons. Under his leadership, the team began with a string of victories in July against lower-division opponents in the League Cup and has maintained an unbeaten streak since Thelin’s arrival. Thelin noted that the players’ relentless spirit is evident, as shown by two last-minute goals that extended their winning run, culminating on October 6, when Ante Palaversa scored the decisive goal during a thrilling comeback against Hearts.
The atmosphere among fans has also dramatically changed, with crowds filling Pittodrie Stadium to its full capacity of 20,000. Palaversa celebrated his goal in front of the statue of Ferguson, which stares out toward the chilly North Sea, a nod to the club’s glorious past. A former Croatia Under-21 midfielder, Palaversa exemplifies the type of player Aberdeen has recruited. Having transferred from Manchester City—without making an appearance—Palaversa aims to reignite his career at Aberdeen after struggling with injuries during his previous seasons.
Despite selling star forward Bojan Miovski for a record fee to Girona, Thelin has quickly found success. The transfer revenue has played a crucial role in supporting Aberdeen’s operational model, with the club’s financials recording revenues that exceeded 23 million pounds in their most recent reports. In stark contrast, Celtic receives about five times that amount, thanks to its larger stadium capacity in Glasgow and consistent qualifications for Champions League matches. Their significant investment has included notable signings such as Denmark’s Kasper Schmeichel and Belgian midfielder Arne Engels.
Celtic has also been on an unbeaten run this season in domestic competitions, apart from a single loss in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund. Their prestigious history enhances the anticipation for the upcoming match, with the team having won the European Cup in 1967 and reaching numerous finals, as well as holding a record 54 Scottish league titles, closely followed by their rival Rangers with 55.
Aberdeen, with just four league titles to its name, ranks third in overall Scottish league victories, three of which were secured during Ferguson’s influential tenure from 1978 to 1986 before he moved to Manchester United. Intriguingly, Aberdeen remains the last Scottish club to win a European trophy, securing the 1983 European Cup Winners’ Cup by defeating Real Madrid, who has since been a formidable force in Europe with an unblemished record in finals.
While Thelin still has a long way to go to match Ferguson’s legacy, he has already instilled a sense of winning mentality back into the team. “We are on a journey together now,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of humility and focus as they continue their quest for success.