Luis 'Duk' Lopes is looking to help turn up the heat on Rangers at Hampden – after Celtic star Jota jokingly warned him off Aberdeen because it was too cold.
The Cape Verde international arrived last summer from Benfica’s B team and his constantly improving performances have already established him as a firm Pittodrie favourite. The 22-year-old proved too hot to handle for St Johnstone here as his double fired Dons out of their rut of five games without a win and made it 11 goals for the season.
He’s been their biggest goal threat since the World Cup break and it is likely a lot of Aberdeen expectations will rest on his shoulders when they travel south to take on Michael Beale’s side in Sunday’s League Cup semi-final. Duk, his dad’s nickname which has been handed down to him, said: “I am a striker and I always want to score. All the players like to play in big stadiums with a lot of fans. I am excited to go there and do a good job.
“Rangers are a big club with good players. We were unlucky with the result the last time but we played well. We will be going into this game to win it. We have the quality to go there and win.”
Jim Goodwin’s side went close last month at Pittodrie, leading 2-1 come the 93rd minute of the match, only to then endure the sickener of seeing Scott Arfield net twice. Duk acknowledged that was a blow but it has given them the confidence they can go the distance against Rangers.
They are now two games from silverware, with a trip to the National Stadium likely to be the biggest game of his career: “Yes, of course. All the players want to win trophies because that is the best thing in football.”
Aberdeen have found results harder to come by outside the Granite City – winning two of 10 Premiership games on the road – and Duk knows that has to be resolved. There would be no better place to do it than at Hampden as the Dons star added: “It is always difficult to play outside our house.
“We will try hard to win. We know if we play a good game, we can win.”
Duk claims the biggest adjustment to Scotland has been the weather, although he can’t say he wasn’t warned after a word from Jota. The Hoops ace has been in Glasgow for almost a year-and-a-half now and Duk said: “Yes, we played together in Under-19s and in the youth league.
“He is a good player and I keep in touch with him still. I sent him a big message about the league. He did tell me it was too cold!”
Aberdeen had failed to win in their five outings since the World Cup
shutdown and this overdue win moved them to within three points of Hearts, albeit having played one game more.
Duk found the net in the first half but his effort was ruled out for offside by VAR. Aberdeen had dominated in the opening period but off-form Bojan Miovski was thwarted three times by keeper Remi Matthews.
Goodwin’s side kept knocking and their patience paid off when they got their breakthrough 16 minutes from time. It came from a Kelle Roos punt that the Saints defence failed to deal with as Vicente Besuijen prodded it through to Duk who finished in style.
He then put the seal on Aberdeen’s victory when he headed in Jonny Hayes’ corner with six minutes left. Duk said: “For a striker, it is always good to score two goals. I am so happy.
“I am happy we won the game. We needed the victory and we played well. It was just a terrific afternoon in the end for us. It was a good atmosphere as well.”
Returning Graeme Shinnie helped put a few extra bums on seats and his competitive approach in midfield gave Aberdeen more bite. Duk is not far behind the 31-year-old in terms of a fans’ favourite, though.
Chants of “Duk, Duk, Duk” are common from the Red Army. The Portugal-born ace said: “I have always been a player who likes to fight with the big centre-backs. It is one of my strengths.
“I am very happy to be here. We have fantastic fans and I love them so much. When I am in the streets, people come up to me and ask me how I am. This is great.”
The forward has hit the ground running, so much so that Goodwin admitted he has done it quicker than even he expected. Duk added: “I always believe in myself. I work a lot.
“You need to work every day inside Cormack Park and to take care of yourself. I have a lot to develop.
“I am a player who likes to work hard. I don’t promise anything but I will keep trying and grafting hard.”
