8 HNK Rijeka 2015

Manager Derek McInnes made it clear Aberdeen would need to do a professional job to see out the tie despite the magnificent and astonishing 3-0 first-leg win in Croatia – up there with the Dons greatest away performances in Europe.

Kenny McLean was preferred to Peter Pawlett in the starting line-up with David Goodwillie once again the lone striker with everyone in a red jersey apart from him quick to get back into a good defensive shape whenever Rijeka were in possession.

Back Row (L/R): Kenny McLean, Andrew Considine, Danny Ward, Ash Taylor, Paul Quinn and Ryan Jack.
Front Row (L/R): Shay Logan, Graeme Shinnie, Niall McGinn, Jonny Hayes and David Goodwillie.

After a first half where the Dons had managed the game brilliantly, suddenly after an hour it was game on.

Two quick goals for the visitors, who showed just how much quality they had in their side, and Pittodrie became very nervous.

After a sterile first half Rijeka threatened a miracle recovery from their 3-0 aggregate deficit when Marin Tomasov scored with a sublime strike. Substitute Zoran Krvzic then netted with the aid of wicked deflection which took the ball flying over a helpless Danny Ward.

However, that Aberdeen side was made of stern stuff.

As well as having real quality they had the mental strength to cope with those situations and minutes after the second goal from Rijeka Niall McGinn popped up to score with a great strike. It was a goal of real quality.

Pittodrie erupted.

Niall McGinn scores for Aberdeen.

The tie was safe, however the Dons made sure of their passage into the next round when the outstanding David Goodwillie set up Jonny Hayes, who had missed a great chance 1-0.

The 2-2 draw in the end saw the Dons progress into the next round.

HNK Rijeka were a class act on and off the pitch, showed great humility after the game, and were respectful of Aberdeen who clearly rattled the Croatians in the first leg and had the guile to come through strongly at Pittodrie.

As a footnote, Filip Bradarić played against the Dons in both legs. On 26 June 2018, he came on as a substitute for Luka Modrić in the 65th minute of the World Cup match against Iceland, becoming the third player in Rijeka’s history to feature in the tournament.

AFC Heritage Trust | match stats click here

Ash Taylor celebrates Aberdeen’s win.