Aberdeen will take a first leg lead to Cyprus after goals from Ryan Christie and Graeme Shinnie gave the Dons victory against Apollon Limassol in the third qualifying round first leg Europa League tie at Pittodrie.
Derek McInnes’ side dominated the Cypriots but still have work to do in Larnaca next week if they are to move within one round of the group stages of the competition.
The Dons suffered a blow before the game when their leading goalscorer from last season, Adam Rooney, was ruled out due to injury.
Summer signing Nicky Maynard came in for his first start for the club with Jayden Stockley, who started in the 2-0 win at Siroki Brijeg last week, dropping to the bench.
The Dons raced out of the traps as they chased a place in the play-off round of the competition and there was only four minutes played when they broke the deadlock.
Gary Mackay-Steven was the creator, running down the left before crossing for Ryan Christie who beat Bruno Vale in the Apollon Limassol goal with a glancing header.
The Dons dominated the first half but were unable to make their pressure count with Christie’s curling effort in first half injury time the closest the home side came to a second goal before the break.
The second half was a different story.
Limassol, having offered little in the opening 45 minutes, carried a much greater attacking threat in the second period and they equalised on the hour mark when substitute Antonio Jakolis crossed for Jander Santana to score.
The visitors were back in the game but they found themselves down to 10 men when Esteban Sachetti was sent off for a second booking and the Dons made their extra man count when captain Graeme Shinnie fired home a stunning winner from 25 yards with 12 minutes remaining.
