Aberdeen have been drawn against familiar opponents Rijeka in the Europa League third qualifying round draw.
They’ll need to beat Chikhura Sachkhere in the second round before they face off against the Croatian side.
They face a Georgia test first. (Photo by Ali Atmaca/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
It’s probably one of, possibly the best, draw Derek McInnes’ side could have hoped for. Eintracht Frankfurt and PSV were just some of the opponents they could have faced in the next round.
Instead they’ll return to where they played their 2015/16 second round qualifier.
Some Aberdeen fans are delighted with the news.
Announce McLean and Pawlett
— cal stw (@cstw1993) July 22, 2019
Best draw we could have got, now just have to make it to the third round and leave ash taylor in georgia
— Graeme (@ORLYSheepboy) July 22, 2019
Take that
— 🏴 (@CameronGemmell3) July 22, 2019
OH YES 😍😍😍😍
— Liam Thom (@Thomes9) July 22, 2019
Very good chance for us🤞🏻
— Cameron Buchan (@CammyBuchan8) July 22, 2019
Somebody new would be nice but shouldn't complain, still in Europe and one tricky tie to get past first
— Stuart Ronald (@thecounter27) July 22, 2019
Aberdeen have enjoyed Rijeka success once before
McInnes recorded arguably his best European result against the Croatians. Aberdeen went over to vist Rijeka at the second stage of qualfying in 2015 and thrashed their opponents
Aberdeen enjoyed their last trip to Croatia to face Rijeka. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
Andy Considine opened the scoring, before a Peter Pawlett header and a sublime Kenny McLean volley sealed a stunning victory fo the Red Army.
They then played at Pittodrie, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Rijeka will be well aware of the danger the Dons possess, but equally, Aberdeen know that their Croatian foes will be decent opponents.
Before this can happen though they need to go over to Georgia and do the business against Chikhura. They’re favourites to win the tie, but as RoPS proved, there are no easy games in European football.
RoPS challenged Aberdeen. (Photo by Scott Baxter/Getty Images)
It’s an exciting and perhaps favorable draw for the Pittodrie side though. It should give them a confidence boost ahead of their second round clash against Chikhura.