Aberdeen get MASSIVE Europa League boost for clash with Portuguese giants Sporting

Aberdeen have been handed a huge boost for their clash with Sporting. Picture: SNS

Aberdeen are unlikely to have a better chance at causing a European upset and progressing to the play-off round of the Europa League.

The Dons, having defeated NSÍ Runavík and Viking FK, will travel to Lisbon next week for the showdown with Sporting.

The Portuguese giants are currently in turmoil caused by Covid-19.

Saturday’s clash with Gil Vicente has been postponed with the team now in their own lockdown until the day before they are due to host Derek McInnes’ side.

Ten members of the coaching and playing staff have tested positive for the virus, including manager Ruben Amorim.

It has been reported in Portugal that goalkeepers Luis Maximiano and Renan Ribeiro and winger Nuno Santos are amongst those players who are self-isolating and are set to be unavailable.

With their 2-0 win in Norway, goals coming from Ross McCrorie and Scott Wright direct from a corner, the Dons continued their impressive form.

McInnes said afterwards that the prospect of facing Sporting inspired the team.

"We're just looking forward to going to one of the iconic teams in world football,” he said.

"It was important for my players to get through tonight to try and experience that. We'd have been kicking ourselves if we passed up that opportunity."

If Aberdeen were to cause an upset they would face either