Graeme Shinnie and his Aberdeen team-mates were full of angst as they headed for their half-time cuppa. But with calming chats and cool calculation from boss Jimmy Thelin, their heroic fightback at Celtic Park was born.
At the half-way mark at the home of the champions, it looked like the same old recent story. Brendan Rodgers’ high-flying side were two goals to the good and the writing was on the wall for the Dons.
The manner of the goals lost to Reo Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi didn’t amuse the Aberdeen players and their mood wasn’t helped by the fact a chance went begging for Leighton Clarkson to grab a pre-interval lifeline.
But, once inside, emotions were soothed and boss Jimmy Thelin got to work. The players gathered themselves while their relaxed manager expertly carved out the route back.