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matches

Aberdeen 1 - 2 Rapid Bucharest

HT Score: Aberdeen 0 - 1 Rapid Bucharest

Friendly
Aberdeen scorers: McGuire 72.
Rapid Bucharest scorers: Schumacher 36, Schumacher 80

27/07/2002 | KO: 15:00

Schumacher Drives Rapid to Victory

Aberdeen may have hosted "Free at the Dee" today, but it was "Yawn at the Don(s)" at Pittodrie as the 7,222 crowd were subjected to typical pre-season fare. Although the Dons had the better of the opening spell, Rapid took control of the match after taking the lead. The Dons will be looking for a big improvement next week at Easter Road when they open their SPL campaign.

The game started at a leisurely pace with the only effort being a half-struck shot by Darren Young in the opening minute. A loose ball by Bisconti a couple of minutes later gave the back four some work, but the danger was cleared comfortably. The Dons carved out a better opening in the 7th minute when Deloumeaux, playing at right back, delivered a dangerous cross. The half clearance was rifled goalwards by Bisconti, but went harmlessly wide of the target.

His fellow Frenchman was not to be outdone and D'Jaffo went close in the 13th minute. A Thornley cross was met by the striker and his deflected header looped over the crossbar. The Dons almost caught out their Rumanian opponents with a clever free kick in the 17th minute. Thornley rolled the ball into the path of Derek Young, but after gaining a yard on the defence, his cross swerved out of play. A minute later, Deloumeaux cut in from the right and tested the keeper from 20 yards.

Rapid, who finished third in their league last season, had not been seen much as an attacking force but they forced their first corner in the 22nd minute. Peter Kjaer had to look sharp as he tidied up following a short back pass from Thornley. Rapid were coming more into the game and Goodfroid should have done a lot better in the 30th minute when he made a fresh air shot after a clever cut back by Niculae.

The visitors took the lead in the 36th minute with a spectacular free kick. Derek Young was adjudged to have fouled Voicu 22 yards out and the Rapid captain, Schumacher left Kjaer rooted to his line as he steered the ball into the net. Although Mackie had a chance right after the goal it was Rapid who took control of the remainder of the first half. First Ilyes had a header deflected wide and then Anderson did well to head the ball clear before Rowbotham brought proceedings to an end.

Leon Mike replaced D'Jaffo at half time as the Dons tried to get back on terms. Deloumeaux did well to hit the bye line in the 49th minute, but his cross was cut out early. The Romanian side quickly regained control and Niculae should have done better in the 50th minute when he failed to get any power on his shot. The visitors should have added to their lead in the 56th minute. Kjaer did well to parry a Voicu drive before Goodfroid fired the rebound inches over the bar.

The best the Dons could offer at this stage was a snap shot from Darren Young, which Curca held easily. McAllister replaced Derek Young in the 62nd minute with McNaughton moving into midfield. Rapid were still looking the more likely to score and in the 65th minute Ilyes fired wide from a good position. The visitors were to regret this in the 72nd minute when the Dons drew level. They were thrown a lifeline when Chris Clark won a penalty within 30 seconds of replacing Kevin McNaughton. Voicu was adjudged to have pulled the youngster's shirt and Rowbotham pointed to the spot. McGuire made no mistake with the kick as he fired it past Curca.

The joy was short lived however as Rapid were awarded their own spot kick in the 80th minute as McAllister brought down Nita. Schumacher was again the set play specialist as he drove the ball beyond Kjaer despite the Dane getting his hand to the effort. There can be little complaint about the outcome of the match and the Dons will need to be a lot sharper next week when the real thing starts.

Aberdeen Teamsheet
Kjaer, McNaughton (Clark 71), Anderson, McGuire, Deloumeaux, Thornley, Young, Bisconti, Young (McAllister 62), Mackie, D'Jaffo (Mike 46).
Rapid Bucharest Teamsheet
Curca, Maldarasanu, Maftei, Iencsi, Soava, Voicu, Ilyes, Schumacher, Goodfroid, Bratu, Niculae.
Attendance: 7,222
Visitors:19
Venue: Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen
Referee: John Rowbotham, Kirkcaldy