AEK Athens vs Dandies

[manc_don]

Walk in the park this one…

AEK are second in the league and playing PAOK tomorrow, so hopefully they’ll be fairly battle weary after that and focussed on their next game against  Olimpiacos.

Confidence appears to be returning to us both in the players and the fan base, but it would still be a massive shock to get anything here. Not saying it’s not doable, but Greece is hostile at the best of times so a lot would need to go right for anything positive this week. 

Is there any news on knoesters or was that just a precaution? Hoping we don’t have to change too much.

many DTers heading along?

out

work

work

work (there’s a song in that)

2-0, no dons scorer

[tlg1903]

It's a free swing at a team that's better than us is how I'm looking at it.  I doubt they are better than shaktar though and we gave them a decent game at a times.  

[Panda]

Wouldn't be surprised to see us prioritise the league games with Hibs and Kilmarnock, and rest a few against AEK. Like @tlg1903says it feels like more of a free hit rather than a game we're under pressure to get something from.

I'd suggest Karlsson, Shinnie, Armstrong and Devlin may all be on the bench. Milanovic, Palaversa, Clarkson, Dorrington all back in. Keskinen might even come in too for Aouchiche or at left wing back.

Do we start Lazetic while he's on a high (and he didn't play the full 90 v St Mirren) or save him for Hibs?

[BigAl]

IN (souvenir anyone )

Tourist stuff and tavernas

Away End

1-1 (Lazetic)

Beers, banter, sair heid and a couple of flights home on Friday 

Inclined to agree @tlg1903, it is a free hit, and I have a feeling we might just surprise a few folk here.

 

 

[OrlandoDon]

I still certainly don’t think we’ve found form, but we’re improving and we have a competitive squad. I do think we play this game with the hibs game in mind.

whats the deal with gyamfi and Malloy? 
 

mitov

Dorrington-Milne-kneuster

jensen-palaversa-clarkson-topi/molloy

polvara-milanovic

nisbet

while it’s rotation, I don’t think it’s necessarily weaker. 

1-1, polvara

 

[RicoS321]

5 hours ago, manc_don said:

there any news on knoesters

 

2 hours ago, OrlandoDon said:

mitov

Dorrington-Milne-kneuster

Nevermind the game, there are bigger issues that need to be discussed.

[Panda]

1 hour ago, RicoS321 said:

 

Nevermind the game, there are bigger issues that need to be discussed.

 

[manc_don]

2 hours ago, Panda said:

 

Saw / heard that over the weekend. It’s incredibly hard to hear anything but anymore

[dons8321]

10 hours ago, manc_don said:

Walk in the park this one…

AEK are second in the league and playing PAOK tomorrow, so hopefully they’ll be fairly battle weary after that and focussed on their next game against  Olimpiacos.

Confidence appears to be returning to us both in the players and the fan base, but it would still be a massive shock to get anything here. Not saying it’s not doable, but Greece is hostile at the best of times so a lot would need to go right for anything positive this week. 

Is there any news on knoesters or was that just a precaution? Hoping we don’t have to change too much.

many DTers heading along?

out

work

work

work (there’s a song in that)

2-0, no dons scorer

Yes I'll be there...going from Gatwick on Tuesday as both my "weans" live down safff and they're coming along (not for the fitba) and fly back on Saturday so will  be home for the Hibs game.

 

[BigAl]

22 minutes ago, dons8321 said:

Yes I'll be there...going from Gatwick on Tuesday as both my "weans" live down safff and they're coming along (not for the fitba) and fly back on Saturday so will  be home for the Hibs game.

 

First Mythos on you mate 

[dons8321]

Just now, BigAl said:

First Mythos on you mate 

Nae bother...name the pub your going to be in on Wednesday night and I might stretch to buying you another!

[BigAl]

28 minutes ago, dons8321 said:

Nae bother...name the pub your going to be in on Wednesday night and I might stretch to buying you another!

My son is on charge of arrangements mate so will need to let you know  

[simosktrls]

Hey lads I’m a Greek living in Athens and I highly suggest you to have a pint in The James Joyce in the city centre on Wednesday night. My brother and I are AEK fans but we’ll be there to have a pint and chat with you lot

[BigAl]

46 minutes ago, simosktrls said:

Hey lads I’m a Greek living in Athens and I highly suggest you to have a pint in The James Joyce in the city centre on Wednesday night. My brother and I are AEK fans but we’ll be there to have a pint and chat with you lot

Welcome to the board

Sounds like an Irish bar and been in my fair share of them over the years following Aberdeen. I'm more inclined now to head somewhere more traditional. Any Greek tavernas you could recommend ? Any pubs close to the ground that would be safe for Aberdeen fans pre match as thinking about heading out towards the ground early on.

[manc_don]

Seeing a few fans over there already, should be a cracker! Fresh off a defeat too.

[BigAl]

Received the AFC fan advice.

They have made it sound like I'm off to Beirut not Athens

Busses to the ground leave THREE hours before kick off from central point. Taken into the stadium underground by bus. Advised not to make your own way there as no guarantee of being admitted 

Despite the number of bars and the restaurants in the locality of the stadium, advised not to attempt to visit.

I have a Greek friend who stays five minutes walk from the stadium that says this is absolute nonsense and there is no necessity for any of this.

Few folk o'er on The Hat planning on making their own way to stadium though.

[tlg1903]

59 minutes ago, BigAl said:

Received the AFC fan advice.

They have made it sound like I'm off to Beirut not Athens

Busses to the ground leave THREE hours before kick off from central point. Taken into the stadium underground by bus. Advised not to make your own way there as no guarantee of being admitted 

Despite the number of bars and the restaurants in the locality of the stadium, advised not to attempt to visit.

I have a Greek friend who stays five minutes walk from the stadium that says this is absolute nonsense and there is no necessity for any of this.

Few folk o'er on The Hat planning on making their own way to stadium though.

I suspect that advice comes from UEFA and not the club itself. 

[BigAl]

21 minutes ago, tlg1903 said:

I suspect that advice comes from UEFA and not the club itself. 

Don't doubt that, but it does make for fairly brutal reading

Supporters should take time to familiarise themselves with the following details including travel information, entering and leaving the stadium, items permitted in the stadium and in-stadium rules and regulations shared with us by AEK Athens and the local authorities.

Follow @AberdeenFCSLO on X for supporter info and matchday updates.

FAN AREAS

There are 3 areas all within walking distance of the bus meeting point, with plenty of bars, restaurants, coffee shops and shopping.

• Proskopon – 7 minute walk
• Pangrati – 11 minute walk
• Monastiraki Square – 25 minute walk

Please respect the cultural and historic aspects of Athens.

GETTING TO OPAP ARENA

Given the fact that Athens is the “home” of some of the biggest football clubs in the country and a tourist destination, individual arrival at the stadium is not approved by the local authorities. The approved plan for the ingress and egress process of the away fans is:

Supporters Buses

Important Note: This is for supporters with tickets in the Away Section only. Those with Cat 1 tickets will be sent separate details regarding their transport.  Cat 1 tickets are in a different part of the stadium with separate arrangements for entry.

• Aberdeen FC, as advised by local police and authorities, have provided buses which will take supporters to and from the stadium.
• Meeting point is Panathenaic Stadium (also known as the Marble Stadium).
• In front of the Panathenaic Stadium is a large area where fans will congregate.
• This area will be available from 3pm onwards for gathering and carry outs are permitted.
• The buses will leave around 4:30pm/4:45pm. It’s earlier than we are all used to but necessary in such a large city. We would be grateful for some cooperation and tolerance around the timings. It will mean you shouldn’t miss any of the match.
• Do not take containers/drinks onto the buses. This is forbidden.
• Police will carry out body searches, photographic ID and ticket checks before going on buses. (Any document that has a photo is fine)
• Buses will take fans to an underground area of the stadium. Access is only by bus to this area.

• AT THE STADIUM

  The buses will arrive underground, and fans will enter an area with toilets, locker rooms and turnstiles. If body searches are carried out at the bus meeting point, then it will not be required here.

• Strictly no pyrotechnics.
• Do not throw liquids or any objects from the seating decks.
• Please do not block any passageways or stairwells.  UEFA can fine and impose sanctions on Aberdeen FC if they are not kept clear.
• Smoking and vaping are not permitted in the stadium.
• Any inappropriate behaviour at the stadium can result in heavy fines and/or sanctions from UEFA. Aberdeen FC will also take action against any persons who fail to act appropriately.

  Once through turnstiles, fans will have to climb a few flights of stairs to reach the Away Section.

  There will be kiosks selling drinks and food. No hot food will be available but there will be cold sandwiches, crisps, popcorn and snacks. No-alcohol beer will be available.

  AFTER THE GAME

  The away support will be held back after the game finishes. When the timescale for this is confirmed, we will relay this information to supporters.

  This is to ensure that the buses arranged by the club can load and safely head back to the city.

  GENERAL ADVICE AND INFORMATION

  It is very important that supporters use the buses provided as this is the only guaranteed way to get to and from the match. It is the safest way to travel there and back.

  Please note that any damage caused to the buses will have to be paid for by Aberdeen FC. Please respect them, the club and supporters have paid for them for your own safety and benefit.

  It’s not recommended to travel independently to the stadium or frequent the licensed premises in that area. Walking alone and in small groups with team colours near the stadium is not advisable.

  Local Police will be present throughout.

  Police Scotland representatives will also shadow the local police to assist with safe passage of Aberdeen FC supporters to the stadium.

  Aberdeen FC will bring 8 stewards (wearing pink bibs).

  Police Scotland and our stewards are there to help you. They will support you and challenge any unacceptable behaviour to prevent any arrests.

  Above all, give your full and loyal support to the team.

[simosktrls]

1 hour ago, BigAl said:

Received the AFC fan advice.

They have made it sound like I'm off to Beirut not Athens

Busses to the ground leave THREE hours before kick off from central point. Taken into the stadium underground by bus. Advised not to make your own way there as no guarantee of being admitted 

Despite the number of bars and the restaurants in the locality of the stadium, advised not to attempt to visit.

I have a Greek friend who stays five minutes walk from the stadium that says this is absolute nonsense and there is no necessity for any of this.

Few folk o'er on The Hat planning on making their own way to stadium though.

That is strict UEFA advice that Aberdeen FC suggest. You can make your own way to the stadium with the metro with any team’s shirt on as most of the people here in Athens are quite friendly towards foreigners (except certain fan groups, which are quite rare to find though)

[BigAl]

48 minutes ago, simosktrls said:

That is strict UEFA advice that Aberdeen FC suggest. You can make your own way to the stadium with the metro with any team’s shirt on as most of the people here in Athens are quite friendly towards foreigners (except certain fan groups, which are quite rare to find though)

That's useful and really helpful.

Our intention was to take a taxi to the ground rather than the organised bus but the concern was regarding access to the ground. I assume that there will be a turnstile open for us to enter via as if the only means of access was underground then we wouldn't gain access if not on the bus ?