Europa League as it happened

1. Europa League qualifying results
2. Motherwell 2-2 UMF Stjarnan (Law 2)
3. Aberdeen 0-0 FC Groningen
4. Lucerne 1-1 St Johnstone (Steven MacLean)
5. Josh Law scores twice on Motherwell debut

So, draws for St Johnstone, Aberdeen and Motherwell in the first leg of the Europa League qualifying second round.

Thanks for your company tonight, we're back next week for the second legs.

Cheers.

St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright

"The players deserve credit as I thought they were excellent. We didn't expect them to have as many chances but they were better than I thought they were.

SNS

"We're delighted to get a 1-1 draw but know how tough it's going to be next week."

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall

"Where we've been unfortunate is with the two penalties and incredible ricochets back into the box. They've had good chances and we've had good chances as well.

SNS

"It was our first competitive game and we were rusty in areas. They were very good going forward and good players.

"It's all to play for now."

BBC Scotland pundit Michael Stewart

"All Scottish clubs in the hunt going into the next legs of their European ties. Well done."

Robert Spencertweets: "Scottish Europa League teams going to have hard games next week. FC Groningen top Dutch side, and 2 away goals for Stjarnan."

James Rowesays: "You can't underestimate the power of the Groningen home crowd when they're pumped up. Tough task for Aberdeen #bbcsportscot"

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes

"We're more than capable of going over there and winning. All in all, in the second half we didn't work their goalkeeper enough.

"They're confident but we were very good away from home last season.

SNS

"It was very tight and I thought we created the better chances; I don't think Jamie Langfield had one save to make from distance. Losing the game would've been a disaster."

With Stuart McCall's appearing likely to win the first leg 2-1, UMF Stjarnan had other ideas and earned a second penalty - in added time - rifled home by Olafur Karl Finsen to square the tie.

SNS

We'll have reaction from all three games soon, hopefully with the views of the managers.

How do you rate your side's chances of progressing following tonight's first legs?

Text 80295 or tweet @bbcthomasmcg using #bbcsportscot

Kenny Innestweets: "Still think Aberdeen will do the job next week and go through! In McInnes we trust. COYR"

SPLstats: "In 11 attempts, only one Scottish side has won a European tie after drawing 2-2 at home in the 1st leg - that was Celtic v Ajax in 1982/83."

BBC Sportsound pundit Billy Dodds

"Aberdeen aren't out of this tie and will be delighted they haven't conceded an away goal. I still think they'll progress."

FULL-TIME

A savage blow for Motherwell who looked likely to take a lead into the second leg in Iceland. Two penalties and two goals conceded by Stuart McCall's men.

GOAL

As the hosts press for a third goal, the Icelandic outfit launch a final attack and are awarded a second penalty. And that man Finsen is there to rifle home a second and ensure it finishes 2-2.

FULL-TIME

No away goal conceded by the Dons which will please Derek McInnes. All to play for in the second leg.

ADDED TIME

Two minutes of added time at Pittodrie as Groningen continue to look menacing...

Kenny Innes: "Listening to Aberdeen online from sunny Cyprus! Hoping for a goal in the last 10 mins. COYR"

Billy Bunsen: "Motherwell were seeded. Because of the way the draw works Saints would actually be seeded in next round (because Luzern are)."

BBC Sportsound pundit Michael Stewart

"Great away result for @St_Johnstone_FC in @EuropaLeague. Well done to Steve MacLean picking up where he left off last season. Top player."

One goal may be enough to give the advantage going into the second leg, and as the sides push for it without much of a spark, the match seems destined to end goalless.

CLOSE!

Motherwell come within a whisker of extending their lead at Fir Park as Keith Lasley is denied by Jonsson after collecting a superb pass from Iain Vigurs.

Aberdeen FC

"Change for The Dons - David Goodwillie makes his Dons debut, replacing Adam Rooney."

David Goodwillie is entering the fray at the expense of Adam Rooney - Aberdeen will hope the fresh man can add a bit more firepower.

With a lack of the flow seen in the first half at Pittodrie, both teams look content to sit tight and go forth with caution as McInnes's charges do all they can not to concede an away goal.

Andy Grant tweets: "Great result for Saints, hopefully they can go on a run. Were any of the Scots sides seeded?"

BBC Scotland's Jim Spence in Switzerland

"Darkness falls on Lucerne but it's sunshine for St Johnstone with a 1-1 draw. Tommy Wright on @BBC Sportsound soon."

BBC

Antonia comes on for Hoesen as Groningen shuffle their pack. Can either side break the deadlock?

Stephen McManus sees his shot parried by Jonsson before Johannsson spurns a great chance to equalise for the visitors. Entertaining fare at Fir Park, where it remains 2-1 to the Steelmen.

Ryan Jack and Adam Rooney are probing for an opening and both look up for the cause as they combine to ask questions of the Groningen defence.

Aberdeen continue to plug away in search of the opener at Pittodrie but the Groningen defence is holding firm. Will Derek McInnes be tempted to bring on David Goodwillie?

BBC Sportsound pundit Willie Miller

"Aberdeen would be happy to take a 1-0 lead into the second leg."

The second half begins as the first ended, with Groningen - on their first European journey for seven years - in the ascendency and controlling possession.

SNS

Pittodrie is packed for this Europa League qualifier...

KICK-OFF

We're getting under way in the second half at Pittodrie and Fir Park. Can Motherwell see this out to take a lead into the second leg?

Can the Dons break the deadlock?

BBC Scotland's Richard Wilson at Fir Park

"Josh Law certainly made his mark, scoring twice in his first appearance for Motherwell, and he was a constant danger for the home side playing just off John Sutton.

"However, Stjarnan pulled one goal back when a shot hit Keith Lasley's hand inside the area, Olafur Karl Finsen converting the penalty. Celebrations were restrained by the players, but the 15 or so Stjarnan fans made the most of the room they have in the stand to themselves behind the goal."

HALF-TIME

Debutant Josh Law fires a brace to put the Steelmen in command at Fir Park. Despite that penalty before the break, Stuart McCall will be purring in the dressing room.

HALF-TIME

It's tighter at Pittodrie than a man's waistband after two weeks of pasta and fine wine in Sorrento. Goalless but plenty to keep us occupied. There's definitely goals in this game...

Aberdeen almost caught out after slack defending allows Danny Hoesen his side's first opportunity. He got in a shot from a tight angle but was unable to convert.

SNS

Adam Rooney is doing his best to provide a creative spark for the Dons, but can they make the breakthrough before the break?

St Johnstone FC

"Full-time and its an impressive 1-1 draw for Saints against @FCL_1901 seccond leg next Thursday in Perth"

GOAL

The Icelandic outfit pull a goal back after Keith Lasley is adjudged to have handled in the box. Up trots Olafur Finsen to fire past Dan Twardzik. Game on!

FULL-TIME

St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright will give a wee Morecame & Wise-style jig of delight when he boards the team bus heading to the airport tonight.

A very credible 1-1 draw - courtesy of Steven MacLean - gives the Saints a great chance to progress and punish their opponents in Perth.

Ian McArthur tweets: "Has anyone stamped on the keeper yet?"

Not yet but he did have to vault a fence and Niall McGinn to escape a snarling and snapping Alsatian...

Aberdeen on the ascendency, if there is a goal to come, it seems certain it will be for the hosts. Half an hour gone of an entertaining Europa League qualifier at Pittodorie.

Motherwell debutant Josh Law has fired a double to put the Steelmen in command at Fir Park.

SNS

BBC Scotland's Jim Spence in Switzerland

"Croft racing away down right but flag goes up for offside as Saints try to break..."

Nice work from Pawlett sees an opportunity come for Niall McGinn, but Padt - with mail bag swinging behind him in the Pittodrie breeze - is quickest off his mark, getting to the ball before the Northern Irishman and clearing for a corner.

BBC Scotland's Jim Spence

"Seven minutes to go at the Swissporarena 1-1 FC Luzern v St Johnstone..."

GOAL

'Well double their lead and it's the debutant at the deadly double! Josh Law is at his predatory best as he flicks the ball over the advancing Jonsson.

CLOSE!

Quick Aberdeen break brings the first real chance, as Peter Pawlett goes on a great run into box and forces a save from goalie Padt. I trust it's not Postman Padt? Does he always deliver at cross balls? Is Jess cheering on from the dugout?

Honours still even, with Aberdeen feeling their way into this tie and looking to challenge debutant 'keeper Sergio Padt through Willo Flood and Adam Rooney.

SPLstatstweets: "Josh Law's strike is Motherwell's first goal in 639 minutes of European football.

We're still waiting for the first goal at Pittodrie. Barry Robson has gone close for the Dons, while Tjaronn Chery failed to seriously test Jamie Langfield with a shot from distance.

GOAL

The Steelmen draw first blood at Fir Park and it's a debut goal for Josh Law, who finds the net after John Sutton's header is parried.

GOAL

The Swiss draw level as Marco Schneuwly controls the ball with aplomb inside the box before firing beyond the despairing Allan Mannus.

CLOSE!

Jahmir Hyka fires over from a tight angle as Lucerne strive to break down the St Johnstone defence.

Steven MacLean fired St Johnstone in front, continuing his impressive form from the closing stages of last season.

SNS

Pittodrie is pulsing with a cracking crowd inside the stadium to enjoy this Europa League tie. Dons boss Derek McInnes sounded in top form ahead of this one.

BBC Sportsound pundit Willie Miller at Pittodrie

"Aberdeen have a decent chance [of going through] and there will be times when they're under pressure."

KICK-OFF

Here we go at Pittodrie and Fir Park...

BBC Sportsound commentator Liam McLeod

"It's a packed Pittodrie tonight!"

BBC Scotland's Richard Wilson at Fir Park

"Josh Law makes his competitive debut for Motherwell against Stjarnan, following in the footsteps of his brother Nicky.

"He will hope to not see at first-hand one of the crazy goal celebrations that brought the Icelandic club to the attention of the football world when they became popular on YouTube."

Tim Oliver tweets: "When you squint your eyes, it does look like FC Lucerne are sponsored by a toilet..."

St Johnstone are driving forward in numbers and captain Dave Mackay sees his header blocked following another impressive flowing move. The Scots are a goal to the good and are hungry for more...

GOAL

Take a bow son! Steven MacLean rifles the ball home from eight yards, giving Zibung no chance and St Johnstone have a crucial away goal.

KICK-OFF

We're back under way in Switzerland!

BBC Scotland's Jim Spence in Switzerland

"Don't want to count chickens but St Johnstone look like they really know how to play the European game. Under pressure yes, but very comfy."

The sun is splitting the sky and I'm wondering whether it's acceptable/advisable to have more than one ice lolly in 24 hours?

That Feast from earlier seems like a long, long time ago...

BBC Scotland's Jim Spence in Switzerland

"Lucerne have looked lively but by no means world-beaters; Saints can match them here."

HALF-TIME

Despite being on the back foot for long spells, St Johnstone will be happy with their lot as they head up the tunnel at the break with the first leg still goalless.

SNS

Lucerne continue to press for the opener but, despite forcing four corners in quick succession, Alan Mannus hasn't been beaten in the St Johnstone goal.

We've got a minute plus added time at the end of the opening 45 minutes and 0-0 would make the slice of orange all the sweeter.

LINE-UPS

Motherwell: Twardzik, Reid, Hammell, Ramsden, McManus, Carswell, Vigurs, Lasley, Law, Ainsworth, Sutton. Subs: Nielsen, McHugh, Erwin, Kerr, Leitch, Thomas, Cadden.

Stjarnan: Jonsson, Vemmelund, Laxdal, Arnason, Rauschenberg, Praest, Johannsson, Punyed, Gunnarson, Bjorgvinsson, Finsen. Subs: Svinn Johannesson, Aegisson, Heiddal, Runarsson, Ottesen Palsson, Blondal, Toft.

Referee: Michael Johansen (Denmark)

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes

"I think we can cause them problems with the players we've got and the team we've picked.

SNS

"We want a good performance tonight, we want to be on the front foot and get at them."

Dave Mackay is playing the true captain's role: he makes a goal-line clearance to deny Freuler and Lucerne from taking the lead.

LINE-UPS

Aberdeen: Langfield, Logan, Anderson, Reynolds, Hayes, Jack, Flood, Robson, Pawlett, McGinn, Rooney. Subs: Brown, Considine, Taylor, Smith, Goodwillie, Low, Wright.

FC Groningen: Padt, Hateboer, Botteghin, Kappelhof, Burnet, Lindgren, Kieftenbeld, Chery, Van der Velden, Hoesen, Kostic. Subs: van der Vlag, Antonia, De Leeuw, Islamovic, van Nieff, Hiariej, Magnasco.

Referee: Hugo Miguel (Portugal)

BBC Scotland's Jim Spence

"Saints' Dave Mackay shoots from a Wotherspoon free kick but Zibung saves for corner 0-0 with 32 minutes gone."

HITS THE WOODWORK

It's warming up nicely in Switzerland. The hosts hit the crossbar as they search for the breakthrough but Tommy Wright's men respond through skipper Dave Mackay and he steers a Wotherspoon cross into the arms of Zibung.

Baron Jack: "I'll take 1-1 to bring back to Perth. Cant even listen on the radio, as we live in NYC #frustrated #COYS"

Craig Taylor:"A 1-1 draw would be fine COYS!!"

Reporter Jim Spence is a man in demand: he was trying to satisfy Reporting Scotland commitments from out in Switzerland before coming back to facilitate Sportsound listeners and your good selves on the live text...

GREAT SAVE!

Second corner of the evening for Lucerne as Affolter tests Alan Mannus with a drive but the St Johnstone keeper is equal to the task.

Paul Newmantweets: "Settle for a 3-3 to take back home to Perth #bbcsportscot"

St Johnstone FC

"All even so far with 20 mins gone..."

So, St Johnstone fans: what would be an acceptable first leg result to bring back to Perth?

Get in touch via 80295 or tweet @bbcthomasmcg using #bbcsportscot

St Johnstone are beginning to find their feet and show greater attacking intent after a cautious start. No clear-cut chances for either side and we remain goalless after 15 minutes.

Jim Spence

BBC Sport

"Saints full compliment in the stadium now..."

BBC

Michael Balltweets: "Filip Kostic the danger-man for Groningen. Tricky and quick winger who could rip Aberdeen apart. #bbcsportscot"

TheUltimateBluesays: "It's ridiculous the Scottish Cup holders only get updates & not live coverage. There is no excuse for it. #bbcsportscot"

Peter McVitie tweets: "Hoesen, from Ajax is a real threat up front and a decent replacement for Zivkovic. So this Groningen team stands a good chance! #bbcsportscot"

BBC Sportsound's Craig Paterson

"Shaun Hutchinson is a big defensive hole to fill but Simon Ramsden is back.

"There's not huge changes and nobody in Britain has done better than Motherwell boss Stuart McCall for finding replacements and keeping things rolling along. They haven't scored in seven European games and have won eight straight."

BBC Sportsound's Jim Spence has informed listeners that the temperature has dipped from 32C to a chilly 30C...

No goalmouth action to speak of in the opening exchanges, with the hosts on the attack.

KICK-OFF

We're under way!

Close to kick off in Switzerland; a couple of St Johnstone goals would set us up nicely...

BBC Scotland's Jim Spence

"St Johnstone fans at the Swissporarena..."

BBC

St Johnstone midfielder Lee Crofttweets: "Can't wait 4 tonight's Europa League game against FC Luzern. Back in competitive action early doors this season! #BringItOn"

How will tonight's games go? Do you think your team can progress into the Europa League proper?

Text 80295 or tweet @bbcthomasmcg using #bbcsportscot

Europa League, qualifying second round first leg:

FC Lucerne v St Johnstone (18:30)

Motherwell v UMF Stjarnan (19:45)

Aberdeen v FC Groningen (19:45)

LINE-UPS

Lucerne: Zibung, Rogulj, Lustenberger, Thiesson, Affolter, Wiss, Doubai, Hyka, Winter, Freuler, Schneuwly. Subs: Bucchi, Bozanic, Holenstein, Hochstrasser, Lezcano, Sarr, Bento.

St Johnstone: Mannus, Mackay, Wright, Caddis, Miller, Brian Easton, Millar, Wotherspoon, Brown, Croft, MacLean. Subs: Banks, Scobbie, May, Rodger, Kane, O'Halloran, Dylan Easton.

Referee: Benoit Bastien

Our intrepid, flame-haired reporter Jim Spence is in Switzerland to cover St Johnstone's first leg tie.

We've warned him as to the dangers of eating Toblerone - see the infamous Billy Connolly sketch - and we're hoping he will be treating our ears to reports of St Johnstone goals...

The Saints join Motherwell and Aberdeen tonight in their endeavour to add some European adventure to the upcoming domestic season.

SNS

It doesn't seem that long ago since St Johnstone vanquished Dundee United in the Scottish Cup final, and Wright, while still delighted with securing silverware, is keen to set new targets.

"The feel good factor is still about the place, the place is still buzzing, but that's not going to win us the tie," said the Northern Irishman.

"We've got to move on from last season."

If you hear a "buzziing" nearby, the chances are it won't be the familiar whirr of a lawnmower cutting summer grass.

It's more likely to be the creative hum surrounding St Johnstone, following their Scottish Cup triumph, as they prepare for their Europa League qualifier.