Dons Exit With Heads Held High Against Spanish Giants

Aberdeen have restored some much needed pride to Scottish football on the European stage after a brave performance against a much classier and skillful opponent than themselves. Aberdeen ran close a team that finished 7th in La Liga and due to the gulf that separates the two leagues that is a stunning achievement for a Scottish team.

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Optimism surged through the blood of supporters pre-match against Real Sociedad as the feeling that one of Aberdeen's most historical night's at Pittodrie was about to unfold in front of a packed Pittodrie. As w know that was not to be, but the Dons did give it an almighty effort which helped in creating a magnificent atmosphere, which the players thrived on.

The teams took to the field and the reception they received was remarkable. Every one was on their feet and the constant humming of the vuvuzelas echoed out of the Merkland Road stand. The noise generated from all four stands inside Pittodrie was magnificent, the ground was the loudest it had been in a while.

The game started evenly, as both teams tested each others credentials. The Dons staved off and early threat from a corner for Real Sociedad and responded by taking the game to the Spaniards. Aberdeen were playing some neat, intricate and incisive football finding space and stretching the Sociedad defence. It was brilliant to see a Scottish team play a Spanish side at their own game.

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Aberdeen's excellent start almost counted for nothing when Flood gifted the ball to Finboggason inside the area but his shot was well blocked by Aberdeen's defence before it was cleared to safety. Then it looked as Aberdeen had got that dream goal as Ryan Jack slotted home from a rebound after a corner. However the flag was raised by the official on the far side to send Dons fans back to their seats grumbling.

Then that dreaded goal came. It was against the run of play as the Dons had been enjoying a good spell and were managing to pile some pressure onto the Sociedad defence. A corner found the head of Prieto, who rose well at the front post and guided his header past Langfield to find the net. The crowd was silent.

The response was good though as everyone inside the ground rose to their feet to urge the Dons to keep going. It was almost an response as Aberdeen won a corner and Anderson headed over from it. But it was encouraging signs. And then the goal that everyone inside the ground had been longing for. McGinn put in an early ball from the left flank and found Goodwillie. He got his shot away but it was tame yet the rebound found Pawlett he kept his composure to lash the ball into the back of the net. Brilliant time to get a goal as well, on the stroke of half time.

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Aberdeen started the second half as they ended the first. On the front foot. The Dons were really taking the game to the Spanish now and a penalty shout echoed around the ground as Hayes was sandwiched off the ball in the box, but nothing was given by the Israeli referee. In the57th minute it looked like the dream was back alive for Aberdeen as Mark Reynolds leaped high into the Pittodrie sky to nod home from a Niall McGinn cross. Brilliant play from the Dons and especially McGinn.

The noise levels were ramped up another three levels as the game restarted but Sociedad looked to drain the game of life and keep the match at a slow tempo. That they did extremely well and managed to cut out unforced errors which made it increasingly difficult for Aberdeen to get back on the ball. The Dons were now chasing the game and most of their energy was spent going into the last ten minutes of the game making it easier and easier for Sociedad to weave their way in on goal.

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That became apparent as Logan was left with no choice but to give away a penalty as De La Bella bore down on goal and was sure to score. Previous goal scorer Prieto stepped up and exquisitely chipped the ball own the middle. How about that for cool. Aberdeen were now hanging on for a draw but were running on empty. The Spanish side thrived off of this and manged to find a third goal on the night and defeat the Dons 5-2 on aggregate.

A tremendous performance from Aberdeen who can exit the competition with their heads held high after a super performance on the night and against the likes of Groningen and Daugava Riga.

FT: Aberdeen 2-3 Real Sociedad