Derek McInnes and FC Groningen manager, Erwin van de Looi spoke to the media after the stalemate at Pittodrie

From PA Sport

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes believes his side can still go to Holland for the second leg of their Europa League qualifier against FC Groningen with plenty of optimism, despite being held to a goalless draw at Pittodrie.

After negotiating Latvian side Daugava Riga at the first hurdle of the competition, McInnes knew that Groningen would prove a much tougher opponent in the second qualifying round.

And so it proved with the Dons having to settle for a 0-0 stalemate at home on Thursday night as both sides cancelled each other out.

McInnes said: We set out to win the game that's for sure, and to be honest we're not totally satisfied or disappointed with the performance.

“We knew Groningen would be a tough opponent, but I feel we are more than capable of going over there and scoring a goal or two, I have no doubts about that.”

Despite the goalless game, McInnes defended his decision not to send on more attackers, in particular his latest summer recruit, David Goodwillie.

“We played at a good aggressive tempo throughout the game and I felt that we kept their important players quiet,” McInnes added.

“Yes, it would have been easy to throw two strikers on and chase the game, but I didn't think we were in a position to do that, there's another leg for that and as I said, we're more than capable of going over to Holland and grabbing a goal.

“We proved last season that away from home we are capable of scoring goals.”

Groningen coach Erwin van de Looi was not surprised about how tight the game was and admitted he had mixed feelings over the result:

“It was a tight game, we expected that and it proved to be a difficult game. The atmosphere at Pittodrie was nice, and although I am happy that we didn't concede I am still disappointed that we didn't score, that's down to our attackers, they weren't good enough today so we need to improve up front.”

The Dutchman also admitted that his side are now the favourites given the fact that they have home advantage, but was keen to stress the tie is far from over.

“I accept that we are now favourites because we are at home, we have a very noisy crowd that get behind us. But the tie will still be close,” he said.

Europa League Third Qualifying Round draw