Kairat Almaty 2, Aberdeen 1

FULL TIME Kairat Almaty 2 Aberdeen 1. The Dons grab a vital away goal ahead of next week’s showdown at Pittodrie!

Aberdeen lost to Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan but Kenny McLean’s away goal gives the Dons hope in their bid to reach the Europa League play-off round. Mikhail Bakaev fired the hosts ahead after a sustained period of pressure. Bauyrzhan Islamkhan doubled the Kazakh side’s advantage with a stunning 30-yard strike.

McLean’s emphatic finish halved Aberdeen’s deficit and means they can progress with a 1-0 win next week.

The Dons have it all to play for when Kairat visit Pittodrie for the return leg next Thursday evening.