HJK Helsinki 2-2 Aberdeen: Barry Robson’s side hit back from two down in Finland

Aberdeen roared back from two goals down to pick up a point in a snow-interrupted Europa Conference League thriller at HJK Helsinki.

Rattled by the hot start in freezing conditions, a makeshift Aberdeen side pulled one back through a sensational half-volley from defender Angus MacDonald, before Duk’s back-post header completed the comeback.

Neither team could find a winner in the frantic scenes either side of the weather-enforced break, meaning Aberdeen – whose qualification hopes were already over – stay in third in Group G, a point ahead of HJK.

Barring an early Papa Gueye strike that was blocked from close range, Aberdeen’s much-changed line-up were immediately on thin ice in the Finnish capital.

Hostikka’s stab flashed wide, Topi Keskinen’s effort rebounded off the legs of Kelle Roos, and Pyry Soiri’s drive into the box prompted a nervous melee. No doubt, Aberdeen were on red alert in the swirling snow.

With warnings unheeded, the hosts hit the front in deserved fashion when Slobodan Rubezic dived in rashly to allow Bande a clear route to goal.

If Hostikka clipping the crossbar moments after the opener wasn’t a glaring sign of more to come, then he made sure there was no ambiguity when he danced through a dazed Aberdeen backline and rifled into the far corner.

Something special would be required to inspire any hope in the flailing visitors, and it came from an unlikely source as MacDonald’s outrageous thumper from 30 yards arrowed into the top corner.

The visiting support began the second half with a telling off for launching snowballs at the home goalkeeper, with the referee halting the game momentarily because of safety concerns.

Duk had been one of the players pleading with his fans to stop their target practice and within minutes he was on the mark himself as his stooping header at the back post finished off a dangerous corner.

Knowing their European ambitions were already over, both sides traded prideful blows as HJK’s Perparim Hetemaj and Jamie McGrath of Aberdeen spurned big chances despite the delay, which threatened to take the sting out the game.

Aberdeen could have sealed a first European group-stage win in 16 years had substitute Bojan Miovski found a late finish, but once again in this continental campaign they failed to prevail in an engrossing contest.

Player of the match – Kelle Roos (Aberdeen)

Entertainers, but not yet contenders – analysis

Are Aberdeen the great entertainers of the Europa Conference League?

Their five group games this year have produced 18 goals, all intriguing affairs in one way or another, whether it be comeback or collapse.

Boss Barry Robson said they were coming here to put on a performance for their 1,500 travelling fans. While they pulled one out in the end, their wretched start in the snow would have had some fans wondering why they were subjecting themselves to a freezing in Finland.

Despite the conditions, Aberdeen found the spirit and desire that has been on show – at least in spells – in all of their outings on the stage this season.

As the manager has admitted, they are still some way off having the quality and consistency to sustain these displays for 90 minutes at this level.

The wait for that long-awaited win in European football goes on. While disappointing, the fans would have found some much-needed warmth in the unity and character shown by their side against the Finnish champions.

What’s next?

Aberdeen look to climb the league table with a trip to Hibs on Sunday (15:00 GMT), before their final Conference League outing at home to Eintracht Frankfurt on 14 December.