Aberdeen suffer first-leg defeat to Kairat in Europa League qualifying

Aberdeen have suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Kazakhstani side Kairat in the first leg of their Europa League third-round qualifier.

The hosts took the lead with 13 minutes on the clock when Mikhail Bakaev finished off a neat move by firing home.

Kairat doubled their advantage just nine minutes later as Bauyrzhan Islamkhan beat goalkeeper Danny Ward with a long-range strike.

Aberdeen responded well after conceding for a second time, but they failed to capitalise during the remainder of the first half.

Both teams went on the attack in the second half, but it was the Scots who bagged the final goal of the evening on 69 minutes when Kenny McLean smashed the ball past the goalkeeper after showing good control inside the box.