Aberdeen 2-1 Kilmarnock: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Ladbrokes’ post-match review of Aberdeen 2-1 Kilmarnock in the Premiership on Sunday, 14 December 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Aberdeen came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock at Pittodrie. Kilmarnock took an early lead when Tyreece John-Jules scored in the 17th minute, putting the visitors ahead after a solid start that built on their recent draws against Hearts and Dundee United. Aberdeen, riding a wave of form with wins over Dundee, Livingston and Hearts, gradually asserted control but couldn’t break through before the break despite dominating possession.

The second half saw Aberdeen push harder, with Graeme Shinnie coming on at half-time to add energy in midfield. The turnaround came late as Kenan Bilalovic equalised in the 79th minute, capitalising on Aberdeen’s pressure that had been building since their 3-3 draw with St. Mirren. Jesper Karlsson then sealed the win from a penalty in the 85th minute, extending Aberdeen’s unbeaten run and highlighting Kilmarnock’s struggles after losses to Rangers and Motherwell.

Aberdeen’s 68% possession underlined their control of the game, allowing them to dictate the tempo while Kilmarnock relied on counter-attacks, as shown by their higher count of 36 successful dribbles compared to Aberdeen’s 21. The home side earned nine corners to Kilmarnock’s three, reflecting sustained pressure, though Kilmarnock’s five yellow cards against Aberdeen’s two pointed to a more frantic defensive effort that disrupted their rhythm without any reds on either side.

Substitutions played a role in shifting momentum, with Aberdeen making three changes: Graeme Shinnie replaced Alexander Jensen at 46 minutes, Marko Lazetić came on for Dante Polvara at 65 minutes, and Kenan Bilalovic took over from Topi Keskinen at 72 minutes. Kilmarnock used all five, starting with Greg Kiltie replacing Tyreece John-Jules at 65 minutes, followed by Marcus Dackers for Bruce Anderson at 73 minutes, and a triple switch at 86 minutes where Ben Brannan came on for Brad Joseph Lyons, Ethan Schilte-Brown for George Stanger, and Jack Thomson for Tom Lowery. Aberdeen converted their one penalty and recorded one assist, matching Kilmarnock’s single assist but without any injury-time goals for either team.

Kilmarnock struck first in the 17th minute when Tyreece John-Jules scored, assisted by James Brown, giving the visitors an early edge. A VAR check on Dominic Thompson in the 32nd minute didn’t change the flow, but the second half saw disciplinary issues mount for Kilmarnock with yellow cards to George Stanger at 51 minutes, Robbie Deas at 57 minutes, Brad Joseph Lyons at 61 minutes, James Brown at 69 minutes, and Liam Polworth at 90+3 minutes.

Aberdeen’s substitutions proved pivotal, with Kenan Bilalovic coming on at 72 minutes and scoring the equaliser in the 79th minute, assisted by Kevin Nisbet. Marko Lazetić, who replaced Dante Polvara earlier, picked up a yellow card at 75 minutes, while Jesper Karlsson’s penalty in the 85th minute clinched the win, followed by Adil Aouchiche’s yellow card at 88 minutes for the hosts.

Aberdeen lined up in a 3-4-3 formation, with Jesper Karlsson providing a key attacking threat up front alongside the likes of Kevin Nisbet, who assisted Kenan Bilalovic’s goal. Midfield partnerships were bolstered when Graeme Shinnie replaced Alexander Jensen at half-time, adding steel, while Marko Lazetić and Kenan Bilalovic came on to influence the late comeback. The setup allowed for width and pressure, evident in their dominance.

Kilmarnock deployed a 5-3-2 shape, focusing on defensive solidity with players like Robbie Deas and George Stanger in the backline, though yellow cards disrupted their organisation. Tyreece John-Jules led the attack early, scoring with an assist from James Brown, before Greg Kiltie replaced him. Substitutes like Marcus Dackers and the late introductions of Ben Brannan, Ethan Schilte-Brown and Jack Thomson aimed to shore up midfield and defence amid mounting pressure.

Jesper Karlsson earned Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match honours for his decisive contribution, scoring once from the penalty spot while creating one big chance and delivering one key pass. His performance stood out in Aberdeen’s attack, turning the game with composure under pressure and helping secure the late victory without needing to come off the bench.

Recent Premiership matches:

• Win: 2-1 vs Kilmarnock (H)
• Win: 3-1 vs Dundee (A)
• Draw: 3-3 vs St. Mirren (H)
• Win: 1-0 vs Livingston (A)
• Win: 1-0 vs Hearts (H)

Recent Premiership matches:

• Loss: 1-2 vs Aberdeen (A)
• Loss: 0-3 vs Rangers (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Hearts (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Dundee United (H)
• Loss: 1-3 vs Motherwell (H)

Aberdeen have just edged out Kilmarnock with a 2-1 win at home, maintaining their strong recent form that includes victories over Dundee, Livingston and Hearts alongside a draw with St. Mirren. Sitting sixth on 24 points, they now turn attention to their next match against Sparta Praha on 18 December 2025 at 20:00, where a positive result could boost their push for European spots, though the opposition’s details remain to be confirmed.

Kilmarnock have just fallen to a 2-1 defeat away at Aberdeen, extending a tough run that features losses to Rangers and Motherwell plus draws with Hearts and Dundee United. Currently 11th on 12 points, they face Falkirk next on 20 December 2025 at 15:00, with the opponents in seventh on 21 points, making it a crucial chance to pick up points and climb away from the lower reaches of the table.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.