So, Kenny McLean scores an away goal for Aberdeen as Derek McInnes's men lose 2-1 to Kairat. That strike puts the tie into the "perfectly poised" category.

Thanks for your company this afternoon. We'll have reaction from the Aberdeen camp on our website later and will be back on Saturday for the opening day of the Scottish Premiership season.

Hope you can join us then. Cheers.

BBC Scotland pundit Willie Miller

"A 2-1 result on the night, taking everything into consideration, is a good result given the quality opposition Aberdeen were facing.

"They look like they have two or three players capable of finding the net, the same as Aberdeen.

"Aberdeen have nothing to fear..."

Joe Sutherland: I'll take a 2-1 loss, given how dangerous Kairat were at the end there. #bbcscotfootball #COYR

Despite some uncomfortable spells defensively, Aberdeen will return home to Scotland with a precious away goal in a 2-1 defeat. How valuable will Kenny McLean's strike prove?

Aberdeen are saved by the crossbar as Lunin's effort hits the woodwork following a partially cleared corner. How are the nerves bearing up?

Niall McGinn tests Kairat down the left and his low cross is intended for the rampaging Jonny Hayes... but the Aberdeen man stabs his effort wide. Goal kick.

Paul Quinn is replaced by battle-hardened veteran Barry Robson; the midfielder will aim to combat the late Kairat forays forward into Aberdeen territory.

Robson concedes a free kick on the edge of the area...

The normally reliable Isael hits this following a backheel from Serginho but his effort is halfway home to Aberdeen. Whistles from the home fans inside the Central Stadium, they didn't like that wild effort.

Serginho is chopped down by Ryan Jack about 25 yards from goal... The Kairat player dusts himself down and sends the free-kick whistling narrowly over Danny Ward's crossbar.

The collective pulse of the Aberdeen fans quickened there...

"Take 2-1," is the memo from BBC Sportsound's Willie Miller. Will the Aberdeen players do the business?

Kairat substitute dos Santos Junior lashes a shot high and wide after being given a scintilla of space in the penalty area.

Matthew Smith: Thank you Kenny!! All the way from Abu Dhabi #bbcfootball #bbcscotfootball

Cammy Renwick: Fantastic response from @AberdeenFC, Scottish football needs more teams in Europe, McLean goal could well be a tie changer #bbcscotfootball

How do Aberdeen approach the final 15 minutes? With an away goal in their back pocket ahead of the trip home do they pull up the drawbridge or go for an equaliser, potentially allowing Kairat to nab a third?

BBC Scotland pundit Willie Miller

"They've had a number of chances and Aberdeen have been disjointed. However, they've got that away goal and I'm sure Derek McInnes would be ore than happy if it ends like this."

The Dons have the away goal they coveted! Substitute Kenny McLean is at his predatory best as he rifles home from close range to give Plotnikov no chance.

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes acclaims the strike with a smile and thunderous applause as the visiting dugout erupts and the 65 Dons supporters celebrate.

Trailing 2-0 with a little over 20 minutes remaining, Aberdeen will be straining every sinew in search of an away goal.

Image source, SNS

The Aberdeen defence is cut open again as the buzzbomb Isael plays in Despotovic but he screws his shot narrowly wide. A quick blow of the cheeks, Despotovic knows that was a great chance to fire home the third.

Jonny Hayes thunders down the right but what could be an opening for Aberdeen fails to materialise as Kairat recover to repel the danger.

Kairat could and should be three up. Isael, as though being controlled by an X-Box controller hitting LT, square and rolling the right stick, sells the Aberdeen defence a dummy, nutmegs Taylor but then blasts his shot straight down Ward's throat and the keeper tips it away brilliantly for a corner!

Aberdeen have impressed in midfield but frustratingly for Derek McInnes a number of promising situations have fizzled out in the final third.

With Kairat seemingly content to sit on this two-goal lead, the Dons will need something special to find an away goal.

Kyle in Newcastle: Seen enough from Aberdeen to think they will get back in the tie. I expect they'll score one away goal and win the tie.

BBC Sportsound pundit Willie Miller urges Aberdeen to get their wide men - Niall McGinn and Jonny Hayes - more involved in an effort to stretch Kairat.

"Because it looks as though Kairat will be happy if this ends 2-0," Miller adds.