Dons In Spain

Aberdeen face an almighty challenge to progress through this 3rd qualifying round and enter into the play-off round, which is the final game before the group stages of the Europa League begin. Quite ridiculous that a team of Aberdeen's history and stature have to play in four rounds of football just to even reach the group stages, considering we have won the Cup Winners Cup and Super Cup in our history. Teams such as Hull City breeze into the current round simply due to the fact other English teams do well in European competition. Something isn't right there. Rant over.

Tonight's match in San Sebastian will go down as one of the great adventures in Aberdeen's rich history as we face up to Spanish side Real Sociedad. The tie is brilliant for not only the club but for the loyal Red Army as well who can get a wee jaunt out to the north of Spain to watch their side take on one of Spain's best teams.

Do the Dons have a chance? Yes of course. Aberdeen have shown, especially in the last round that they can show their worth even when classed as the underdog. This evening Aberdeen have a fitness advantage over the Spanish side, who have played no competitive games as of yet, so tonight will be their first serious game. Disruption amongst the Sociedad team has also been caused, purely because of the amount of outgoing players moving on to pastures new.

Real Sociedad certainly have the upper hand in player quality, but then so did Groningen and so did Celtic in the Scottish Cup. As they say in football, anything is possible. However manger Arrasate does not have his best players at his disposal for the game as Griezmann, has made a 25 million euro move to the red and white half of Madrid. Chilean goalkeeper Bravo has departed after his sensational efforts in the world cup, Swiss striker Seferovic has been given extra time off following the World Cup and Carlos Vela the ex-Arsenal man is sidelined with injury.

However, Sociedad will still be a good team, as all Spanish sides are. McInnes is confident his players can put in the performance needed to keep his side in the tie for the return leg at Pittodrie at least. Aberdeen will most likely allow the Spaniards the majority of the ball whilst looking to hit them on the counter attack. That tactic yielded success against Dutch outfit Groningn in the last round, so there is no reason why it can't work again.

It will be an exciting and intriguing encounter and you have to believe the Dons can get a result! COYR

Real Sociedad v Aberdeen
Anoeta Stadium
Thursday 31st July 2014