Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes was extremely proud of his player’s efforts this evening despite the fact the Dons Europa League run is over.

The gaffer told RedTV “We always thought that if we lost the first goal it would be too big a mountain to climb.

“They did have a height advantage over us as well as we are not the biggest side at the moment but I was still disappointed to lose the first goal. However the response was exactly what I expect from the team.

“I said to the players beforehand that if they are to put us out of Europe let’s make sure they earn it. Let’s make sure they really have to work for it and I thought that was the way the game played out.

“I was very proud of the performance. I thought we were excellent in the first half.

“They were superb even though they knew it was such a big ask. We got straight back on the front foot and got an equaliser. At half time I just told them to go out and win the half and see where it would take us. I thought when Reynolds scored with his header for the first time in the tie they started to have a few concerns.

“For the first time in the tie, when we went 2-1 up, I think people were starting to think ‘here we go’, but it was too frantic for my liking. We played the last 20 minutes like you might play the last two or three normally.

“We made a couple of substitutions we wouldn’t ordinarily make in order to try and get the next goal, but they’re a good side and I expect them to do well, so there’s no shame in losing to them, only pride in what we’ve achieved.

“I’m immensely proud of the players’ efforts. It was a real tough draw for us, the toughest we could have received, but the fact we’re disappointed is recognition of what a magnificent effort it was from the players.”

“The supporters recognised the player’s efforts at the end and that is all we can ask from them.

“They gave it everything and did the club proud.

“The crowd were fantastic tonight. I have not heard noise like that for a long time.

“Real Sociedad are a quality team and I think they will do very well in the competition.”

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