Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes hopes reverting to the underdogs will serve his side well in the Europa League. The Dons were pushed all the way by Macedonians KF Shken-dija at Pittodrie last night before securing the goalless draw they needed to progress to the second qualifying round on away goals.
HNK Rijeka lie in wait for the Dons in the next round in Croatia on Thursday and McInnes knows his side face a huge step up in class against opponents, who have played in the group stages of the com-petition in the past two seasons.
McInnes said: “In everyone’s eyes we were firm favourites against Shken-dija, but I’m not sure how accurate that was.
“We backed ourselves but we weren’t the overwhelming favourites some made out. They were a decent team and well organised.
“In the next tie we will be the underdogs. A lot of our supporters won’t know who they are, but Rijeka are unbeaten in 12 games in Europe and qualify consistently for the group stages.
“I didn’t look beyond this tie, but we have had them watched. They are a big, strong side with plenty of pace and technical players.
“It will be a big ask for us but it’s a game we are looking forward to.”
Rijeka have been strong opponents at home and McInnes knows it is imperative his players play well to give them a chance of progressing in the home leg.
The Aberdeen manager likens the task to the one his side faced at the same stage last season against Groningen of the Netherlands and he is hoping for another successful outcome.
He said: “We want to win but it’s important we don’t lose and get them back here with something to play for.
“There are no easy games. Most teams are both well-coached and well-versed. They knew about us tonight and we knew about them.”
An added time save from goalkeeper Danny Ward ensured the Dons were not caught cold and the on loan Liverpool goalkeeper was relieved to go through.
He said: “They were not a bad side and they proved that across the two legs.
“They showed we can’t underestimate any side in Europe. To get through in any European game is an achievement.
“We know we have got to improve, but we’ve made it through and that’s the most important thing.”