The thoughts of Derek McInnes after game:

“Obviously I am immensely satisfied and proud of the player’s efforts.

“The conditions were very difficult.

“The Rejika supporters stayed with their team and their players kept asking questions of us, especially in the first 15-20 minutes. We did ride our luck a bit in the early stages of the match but there on in we kept them relatively quiet.

“We got goals at good times which gave the players a lift and I thought we were very smart with our work. The players were excellent in terms of their application of what we asked of them but tactics and organisation, that is only a tiny part of the game. The shear endeavour from the players in those conditions was very pleasing for me to see. It was very rewarding.

“However it is only half time in the tie. That does not mean we can’t feel good about ourselves with tonight’s work but they are too good a team to think the tie is over. We have still got work to do. Will enjoy tonight but the preparation for next week’s game starts now.

“Tonight for me is about the players (and not my about myself). Coming here as an Aberdeen team and playing a side with such a strong European record, having seen off a lot of top teams, was a big result for the club. We felt last season we equipped ourselves well in Europe and I think we equipped ourselves well tonight in Europe.

“The satisfaction comes from watching the player’s efforts and watching the togetherness within the squad. For example watching the substitutes coming on playing their part, the reaction of the players who did not get on, the reaction of the players who did not get stripped and the way they enjoyed the result. That was very satisfying.

“I thought our supporters were fantastic. We could hear them throughout the game and I thank them for coming over here and getting behind the team. The home support like in Macedonian gave their players very good backing and it was nice the recognition they gave our players for their efforts at the end.”

“I thought our supporters were fantastic. We could hear them throughout the game and I thank them for coming over here and getting behind the team. The home support like in Macedonian gave their players very good backing and it was nice the recognition they gave our players for their efforts at the end.”