On a cold winters evening only just over 15,000 turned up for the final and it turned out to be a successful one for Aberdeen. While the Dons expected to be put under severe pressure throughout the game, their tactics clearly upset the Germans rhythm and the game was never allowed to flow. Felix Magath the Hamburg captain was the vital player in the German side and Ferguson was aware of the threat he posed. The Dons boss flooded the middle of the park and effectively cut down the space and time for Magath and was happy to hit the Germans on the break; a tactic classically deployed by German sides through the years.
The Dons clearly gained the upper hand in the tie after they had tactically out thought the Germans. There was no doubt that Ferguson was happy with the performance but insisted his side could have come away with more - "We defended as I had hoped and we were aware of Hamburg's strengths. Our midfield had to stay focused as they have real quality in there but we were ready for them. We still have to win the tie, but this result gives us a marvellous platform to finish the job in front of our own supporters."