Aberdeen learn Conference League Opponents

The Dons will take on teams from Germany, Greece and Finland

Author: Dave GallowayPublished 1st Sep 2023
Last updated 1st Sep 2023

Aberdeen will face 2022 Europe League winners Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa Conference League after being handed a formidable group stage draw on Friday.

The Dons will also face Greek side PAOK - conquerors of Hearts in the play-off round - and Finnish outfit HJK Helsinki.

Frankfurt beat Aberdeen's cinch Premiership rivals Rangers on penalties in the final of Europe's secondary competition just over 15 months ago and went on to finish seventh in the Bundesliga last term to secure their return to continental competition this term.

Red Army return to Germany

Dino Toppmoller's side, who defeated Levski Sofia 3-1 on aggregate in the play-off round, will be hot favourites to win the group, but Dons supporters are sure to relish the chance to return to Germany for the first time since they faced Bayern Munich in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup in 2008.

PAOK, who defeated Hearts 6-1 on aggregate, also represent a high-calibre opponent for Aberdeen, while the group's third seeds HJK Helsinki are currently a point clear at the top of the Finnish league after 23 matches and sure to prove a tough nut to crack.

Barry Robson's side parachuted into the Conference League after losing their Europa League play-off against Swedish champions Hacken 5-3 on aggregate.

When will the ties take place ?

Here are the matchday dates for your diaries : 21st September, 5th October, 26th October, 9th November, 30th November and 14th December.

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