Go out lads and make a nickname for youself
‘Dnipro Daz’ tells Dons to reach group stage and be remembered forever
TEN years may have passed but to the Red Army he will forever be known as Dnipro Daz.
Former Aberdeen striker Darren Mackie famously grabbed the goal in Ukraine that sent Jimmy Calderwood’s Reds through to the money-spinning group stage of the UEFA Cup back in 2007.
Mackie’s exploits earned the Dons a 1-1 draw against Dnipro as Aberdeen advanced on the away goals rule in European competition for the first time.
The Reds then went on to qualify from a tough section that included Atletico Madrid, Panathinaikos, Lokomotiv Moscow and Copenhagen.
And it set up a mouth-watering last 32 clash against German giants Bayern Munich.
The Dons’ dream run would come to an end against the Germans as they lost 7-3 on aggregate after a 5-1 humbling in the Allianz Arena but not before a pulsating 2-2 draw in the first leg at Pittodrie.
Now, under Derek McInnes, Aberdeen will try to take on step closer to the group stage of the Europa League when they take on Cypriots Apollon Limassol tomorrow night in the third qualifying round.
And Mackie would love one of the Dons stars to become as well remembered as he was for his scoring exploits at Dnipro.
He said: “That was a hell of a night in Ukraine. It was an amazing moment for me as an Aberdeen player.
“The whole occasion was great. We did well at home to get a 0-0 draw and we knew it would be a tough game going to Ukraine for the second leg.
“I remember the goal vividly. It was a quick throw-in by Ricky Foster who played a 1-2 with Jamie Smith and then Fozzie’s cross came over. I just flung myself at it and headed it in.
“The Aberdeen fans were congregated behind the goal and the noise they made was incredible. That goal has been called a few things. “Depending on who you talk to, the goal ranges from being worth £1million or £2m. “The memory is fantastic. It is magnificent to be part of Aberdeen’s recent history. “When people talk about Europe, that night in Ukraine ranks up there. “The Aberdeen supporters still remind me of that goal and they call me ‘Dnipro Daz’. “I love all that banter with the Reds fans and my goal has been well remembered.” Mackie believes McInnes’ men can make a similar impact on the Europa League scene and gate-crash the group stage. The 35-year-old, who spent 14 years at Pittodrie, insists the Dons boss is the man to bring the glory days and the big names back to the Granite City.
Mackie said: “Aberdeen have bought well in the summer.
“When Jonny Hayes and Niall McGinn left, I wasn’t filled with great optimism.
“But McInnes has brought in real quality replacements.
“It is hard to believe that it is 10 years since Aberdeen reached the group stage in European competition. It would be nice for them to do that again.
“It is more difficult for the present side to qualify than it was for us.
“We played one tie against Dnipro but this team will have to play three rounds of qualifiers.
“But it is not beyond them and they have a right chance of emulating the class of 2007.
“That run in the UEFA Cup was unbelievable. The team had a brilliant time.
“I helped get the club through to the group stage but sadly never featured in any of the games because I was ruled out with an ankle injury.
“Aberdeen played quality opposition and when we faced Atletico Madrid in Spain both Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan were playing up front for them.
“I returned for the Bayern Munich last-32 tie and played in the home and away legs.
“I have never played in a better atmosphere for Aberdeen on the night we faced Bayern Munich.
“Pittodrie was absolutely rocking and bouncing. We actually felt hard done by coming away with a 2-2 draw.
“In the away leg the Germans just went for the jugular but it was a fantastic experience to play in that iconic stadium.
“I’d love to see McInnes’ team enjoy a similar run.
“I want Aberdeen to get through to the group stage and bring some of the big European names back to Pittodrie.
“Hopefully Aberdeen can get themselves a lead to take over to Cyprus against Apollon which would make their task a bit easier.
“It would be a great achievement. It would also be amazing for the club, the city and the fans. Aberdeen are a club going places and the manager has really bought into that.”