Aberdeen stick three past Rijeka on famous night for Scottish club

Aberdeen have recorded a famous 3-0 win away at Rijeka to put one foot in the third qualification round of the Europa League.

It was the home side who made the better start to the first-leg affair in Croatia, with Marin Tomasov in particular looking lively as he rattled the post and fired one narrowly over early on.

Having then seen Danny Ward forced into making a big save to deny Lima's headed attempt, the Dons were finally able to grow into the contest as the first half wore on.

Shay Logan fired the early warning signs as his cross was turned behind for a corner, from which Andrew Considine climbed highest to head home the opener.

Aberdeen thought they had a crucial second before the break when Peter Pawlett found a way through, only for the officials to rule it out for offside.

There was to be no denying the midfielder seven minutes after the interval, however, as he converted Logan's back-post cross to put the Scottish club in control.

More joy was soon to come for Derek McInnes's charges, with Kenny McLean adding a third from another deep cross into the box against a Rijeka side boasting a strong home European record prior to this evening.

Ward had to be alert to keep his side's three-goal advantage intact, but having done so the Dons were able to see out the remainder to leave themselves in control heading into next week's reverse tie.