Valiant Aberdeen effort not enough to save Europa League campaign

Aberdeen have been eliminated from the Europa League after losing 3-2 to Real Sociedad at Pittodrie tonight to seal a 5-2 aggregate defeat.

The Scots went into the encounter with slim chance of progression following last week's 2-0 loss in Spain, and midfielder Xabi Prieto added to the Dons' woes by firing his side into a three-goal aggregate lead on 28 minutes.

Derek McInnes's side refused to go quietly, however, as Aberdeen then struck twice either side of the break to lead 2-1 on the night - and trail 3-2 overall.

First, Peter Pawlett levelled matters just before the interval, converting Niall McGinn's low cross, before Mark Reynolds's thumping header on 57 minutes gave Aberdeen a glimmer of hope.

They struggled to build on the advantage, though, and Sociedad were afforded the opportunity to put the tie beyond doubt when Shaleum Logan conceded a penalty for a foul on Alberto de la Bella.

Prieto stepped up to bag his second of the evening, while there was still time for Markel Bergara to get in on the scoring in the dying moments to down the valiant Scots.