AEK Larnaca 0-0 Aberdeen Jimmy Thelin hails Dons improvement after away draw

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin praised his players for learning lessons and showing “amazing” discipline in a goalless draw with AEK Larnaca.

The Dons were back in southern Europe two weeks after enduring a record European defeat in a 6-0 thrashing by AEK Athens.

But they showed vast improvement as they held the Cypriot side to claim their first point of the Conference League campaign.

Thelin told RedTV: “Experience is one thing but if you don’t learn from it, it means nothing.

“The players have improved a lot – how to play together, tactical discipline, not getting carried away with emotions when it’s tough periods in the game. The discipline of the players was amazing.”

Home captain Hrvoje Milicevic hit a post from long range and Dimitar Mitov pulled off a good stop in the second half, but the main drama came in stoppage time.

Nicolas Milanovic missed an excellent chance for the Dons following a counter-attack before Karol Angielski headed wide with Mitov stranded.

Thelin said: “Both teams had one big chance each in the last five minutes so it was maybe a fair result. It is a difficult away game, they are a strong team at home. We are growing in our away games and I’m really pleased with how we played.”

The final ball let Aberdeen down several times from promising openings.

But Thelin said: “We have to start somewhere. We have had four clean sheets in the last six games. We are playing more compact, more together, supporting each other on the pitch.

“And after the game you saw the connection between players and supporters. This is so important for Aberdeen, doing things together.”