Aberdeen host Shakhtar in Europa Conference League opener at Pittodrie

Aberdeen will attempt to arrest a damaging run of form when they host Shakhtar Donetsk at Pittodrie on Thursday evening in the opening round of the 2025–26 Europa Conference League league phase. Kickoff is 8pm BST and the match will be shown on TNT Sports 4 with a live stream available via the broadcaster's app. The tie pits a home side rooted to the foot of the Scottish Premiership and yet to score in their opening league matches against a Ukrainian club that arrive unbeaten in normal time this season and top of their domestic table.

Aberdeen's slide has come fast. After a fifth‑place finish and a Scottish Cup triumph last season, the Dons have recorded only one win in their last 10 matches across all competitions, sit bottom of the Premiership with one point from six games and have not found the net in league play. Their poor start has amplified scrutiny of manager Jimmy Thelin, and some supporters have called for his removal. Defender Kristers Tobers is set for a lengthy absence after sustaining a knee injury at the weekend; his place in the squad has been taken by on‑loan Tottenham defender Alfie Dorrington.

Shakhtar arrive in Aberdeen buoyed by form. Under new head coach...