Stefan Gartenmann seeking Aberdeen FC Euro adventure like Midtjylland surprise as he insists group CAN be conquered

Aberdeen only need to look to Stefan Gartenmann for inspiration as they bid to defy the odds in a European group stage.

The big defender, a goal hero in the weekend win over Rangers, was part of the Midtjylland side who came through a Europa League section including Lazio, Feyenoord and Sturm Graz last season. The Dane can lean on those experiences as he looks to help the Dons make their mark in the Europa Conference League.

They were unlucky to lose 2-1 away to favourites Eintracht Frankfurt but now have back-to-back home games, starting with HJK’s visit on Thursday, as they look to make their mark on a group that also includes Greek side PAOK. Barry Robson’s side are also boosted by a domestic resurgence which saw them take out Ross County in the league and cup before that 3-1 victory at Ibrox.

And Gartenmann said: “Last season at Midtjylland we lost in the third qualifying round of the Champions League to Benfica then dropped into the group stage of the Europa League. We beat Lazio and Sturm Graz at home but lost away. We drew with Feyenoord twice and managed to get through, which surprised a lot of people.”

That glory run was ended by a 4-0 loss at home to Sporting after a battling draw in Lisbon and Gartenmann would love to go on another Euro adventure with Aberdeen this season. He said: “It was a great run last season and brilliant to be involved in.

“It just goes to show if you can build up some early momentum then anything can happen in European competitions. We got a draw in Lisbon and everything was to play for at home but Sporting were better on the night. It is all about keeping the game alive, as we showed in Frankfurt.

“If we had been down 3-0 then the game was done but we kept it alive and pushed them all