The Europa League group stages have been elusive for Aberdeen.
The third qualifying round has proved to be the one the Dons have been unable to get past under Derek McInnes.
In four out of the last five seasons, they have been knocked out at this stage, with the first-round defeat by Burnley last year the only exception.
Fail to overturn their 2-0 deficit against Rijeka at Pittodrie tomorrow night and it will be another hard-luck story for the Reds.
Dons skipper and goalkeeper Joe Lewis said: “It is has to be our drive and main goal to try and not only get into the next round but then on to the group stages.
“That is what everybody at the club wants to achieve. I know it is harder because we have a lot of new players but I feel we have real quality and strength and depth.
“I think we are well placed and we know that Rijeka is a big hurdle but it is one we feel we can still get over.
“We need to show our fitness levels and how we can play. We are free-scoring team and we can cause any team problems as we showed against Chikhura and against Hearts.
“I think we have got stronger at home with every game and we will need to up it again against Rijeka.
“We know we need to score goals but we also know we need to keep it tight at the back. But the manager will have his tactics and will set us up the best way to get the result we need.”
The difficulty of Aberdeen’s task is increased by the late goal from Robert Muric last week.
On two previous occasions in which Aberdeen have lost a first leg under McInnes – against Real Sociedad and Kairat at this stage in 2014 and 2015 – the Dons have been unable to make amends on home soil.
Lewis added: “It makes it a bit more difficult. We had to win the game at home anyway.
“We feel we have goals in us, especially at home, especially when you look at the way we have been playing so far this season.
“There is a lot to be positive about in terms of the home tie and we know we have got free-scoring strikers and that gives us real optimism.
“We have been really attacking at Pittodrie and you only have to look at the Hearts game where we showed a lot of character to come back and win.
“That was an important statement from us to come back and win that game so early in the season.
“We always seems to get a special feel at Pittodrie on a Thursday night and the fans can play their part in producing a special atmosphere that can see us through.
“I know the home crowd atmosphere inspires the players but we also know we need to play our part on the park.”