Aberdeen and Motherwell are safely though to the third qualifying round of the Europa League – and they know their potential play-off opponents.
Derek McInnes’ side navigated their way through a tough test in Norway against Viking brilliantly. Against a team who had scored 15 in their last five previous to this encounter, they shut them out in a 2-0 win.
McCrorie was brilliant. (Photo by Callum Landells/Getty Images)
Ross McCrorie opened the scoring before Ryan Hedges sealed a memorable win with a special goal straight from a corner. Motherwell meanwhile did it the hard way against Coleraine, pegged back from 2-0 up to 2-2 before Trevor Carson put in a stunning penalty kicks performance to win the game on penalties for Stephen Robinson’s side.
The Dons now travel to Portugal to face a Sporting Lisbon team ravaged by COVID-19 problems whilst Motherwell face Israeli side Hapoel Be’er Sheva away from home next week.
Both sides have an idea of who they will face after this should they progress into the play-offs. Aberdeen will be seeded if they beat Sporting, so tasks for them are slightly lighter, but still very difficult.
Tough tests for both. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
It’ll be LASK, Dunajska Streda, Rosenborg, Alanyaspor, Kolos Kovalivka or a another meeting with familiar foes Rijeka. Motherwell meanwhile have some tricky ties waiting ahead for them if they get past Be’er Sheva.
Basel and Besiktas are the big ones alongside Viktoria Plzen, with Anorthosis, Sonderjyske and Rio Ave also potential battles. The draw takes place at 2PM CET.