Aberdeen vs FCSB UEFA Europa League Match Broadcast and Commentary Details

On Thursday, 21 August 2025, Scottish giants Aberdeen take on Romanian side FCSB in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League play-off round at Pittodrie Stadium, kick-off at 19:45 UK time. British football fans can watch this crucial European qualifier live across a variety of BBC platforms, with extensive coverage available on BBC iPlayer, BBC Scotland (HD), and BBC Sport Online. Radio listeners can tune into Radio Clyde 1 for full match commentary.

The live TV broadcast will be presented by Jonathan Sutherland, a respected sports presenter with a solid track record in Scottish football coverage. Sutherland leads the BBC's studio presentation, known for his clear delivery and insightful pre- and post-match analysis.^{BBC Sport}

The main commentator for this fixture is Liam McLeod, who brings impressive expertise in live football commentary, particularly across Scottish and European domestic competitions. McLeod is joined in the commentary box by two former Aberdeen players and club legends: Willie Miller and Billy Dodds. Miller, a charismatic defender and captain from Aberdeen's golden era in the 1980s, has transitioned into a respected pundit and coach, while Dodds, also a former striker for the Dons, offers sharp tactical insight and goal-scoring perspectives.^{Aberdeen FC News}

Additionally, Tyrone Smith will report from pitch-side, providing up-to-the-minute updates and interviews. On BBC Reporting Scotland, fans will also see punditry from Liam McLeod and reports by Lewis Irons, ensuring comprehensive regional coverage.

For radio listeners, Radio Clyde 1 features commentary hosted by Gordon Duncan, with pundits Simon Donnelly and Gordon Dalziel. Donnelly is a former Scotland international winger known for his incisive analysis, and Dalziel, a prolific striker in Scottish football in the 1980s and 1990s, adds rich historical and tactical context.

Fans of the visiting side can catch match commentary on Red TV, featuring Paul Mitchell and ex-Aberdeen winger Niall McGinn as co-commentator, offering a unique perspective from someone who has played at the highest levels for Aberdeen.

Background on the Pundits and Presenters

Jonathan Sutherland has earned recognition as a key presenter for BBC Scotland’s football coverage, regularly hosting both domestic league and European fixtures. Known for his polished style and knowledgeable approach, he anchors the broadcast with authority.

Liam McLeod, a versatile commentator, is noted for his ability to blend energetic play-by-play with insightful analysis. His background includes covering Scotland’s Premiership as well as European competitions, bringing a broad understanding of the game to viewers.

Willie Miller is arguably Aberdeen’s greatest ever defender, captaining the side to multiple league titles and a European Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final in the 1980s. His post-playing career has flourished in coaching and media, making him a highly respected voice in Scottish football.^{UEFA Europa League}

Billy Dodds is a former Aberdeen forward who enjoyed a lengthy career across the Scottish Premiership, transitioning into television punditry with a specialised focus on attacking play and goalscoring analysis.

Tyrone Smith and Lewis Irons have built reputations as diligent reporters with strong links to Scottish football, delivering comprehensive matchday coverage from the ground.

Radio Clyde 1’s

Match Preview and Importance

This UEFA Europa League qualifier pits Aberdeen, winners of the Scottish Cup in 2024 and a club with a proud European history, against FCSB, a prominent Romanian team. Aberdeen begin this campaign after a slow domestic start with losses to Hearts and Celtic, while FCSB also seeks to improve after being knocked out of Champions League qualifiers earlier this summer.^{SportsKeeda Preview}

Coverage across multiple BBC channels and platforms provides fans in the UK with extensive access, from live TV broadcasts to online streams and region-specific reporting via BBC Scotland and Reporting Scotland. The combination of experienced presenters, seasoned commentators, and expert pundits promises a high-quality viewing experience for this pivotal European encounter.