The opening five minutes of the second half is a complete role reversal of the first: Aberdeen now enjoy near total domination as Kairat retreat and challenge the Dons to find a way through them.

Much better from Aberdeen at the start of the second half, zipping the ball about in midfield, almost like a basketball team bouncing the ball and surveying the opposition for an opening to burst through.

We're back under way in Almaty.

Adam Rooney is on for Peter Pawlett with Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes shuffling his pack and potentially switching to a 4-4-2 formation.

BBC Scotland pundit Willie Miller has identified Kairat goalkeeper Plotnikov as the weak link in the hosts' line-up.

An astute observation from the bold Willie as the hesitant keeper has been flapping at crosses like a blind bear trying to grab a leaping salmon...

Goals from Bakaev and a 30-yard stunner from captain Islamkhan give Kairat a healthy two-goal lead at the break but Aberdeen have threatened on the break. Jonny Hayes's header over the bar the closes the Dons have come to an away goal.

Food for thought for Derek McInnes and his troops at the break.

James Taylor: Kairat are never a team. Lower half of SPFL at most. Aberdeen tried to be too clever and 'European' to start. Better now #bbcscotfootball

BBC Scotland pundit Willie Miller

"Aberdeen want to invite Kairat onto them and hit them on the break as they're more than capable of scoring here."

Almost a third goal for Kairat as some nimble footwork sees Isael break free inside the box but his near-post effort fails to find the net. Relief for Aberdeen who look threatening on the counter but vulnerable at the back.

Al Lamont says there's a full moon staring down over the Central Stadium in Almaty. Time for the Dons to bare their teeth and grab a crucial away goal.

BBC Sportsound pundit Willie Miller declares himself happy with the progress being made by the Dons as they seek to reduce the deficit.

Dylan McKaig: 2-0 well I am not sure how Aberdeen can come back now.

PAC: Dons fan beside me said he would have taken 2-0. Don't think he meant after 22 mins though. Long way to go yet. #bbcscotfootball

Lewis McFarlane: Ahhhh Jonny!! Where's Darren Mackie when you need him?? #Dnipro #bbcscotfootball #DonsInEurope

Stewart Weir: Australia and Aberdeen losing wickets and goals in unison - remarkable! #EuropaLeague

The Dons probably wanted Hotspot or Snicko used for that penalty appeal...

BBC Scotland pundit Willie Miller

"I don't think it's a case of pressing the panic button yet and throwing caution to the wind. If they could get a goal back then this would be a good result to take back to Pittodrie. Aberdeen are beginning to look like they're putting passes together and posing a threat."

Aberdeen appeal unsuccessfully for a penalty as a cross appears to strike Tymoschuk's arm. With a swift shake of the head referee Tamas Bognar is having none of it...

Just shy of the half-hour mark and the Dons will be aiming to put more pressure on Kairat keeper Plotnikov who has looked far from convincing flapping at crosses.

Testing times for Aberdeen's defence: they won't want to concede a third goal before the break. An away goal changes the complexion of the tie.

Paul Anthony Cassidy: Sounds like it's turning into a nightmare for the Dons. One away goal would change it but it's a big ask. #bbcscotfootbal

How costly will that missed Hayes headed opportunity prove? Kairat compound Aberdeen's misery with a stunning goal to double their lead. Skipper Bauyrzhan Islamkhan, 30 yards from goal, thunders an unstoppable shot into the top corner with Dons keeper Danny Ward clutching at thin air.

"A rip-snorter," according to BBC Sportsound pundit Willie Miller.

Image source, SNS

Aberdeen are under the cosh in Kazakhstan.

What a chance! Niall McGinn slaloms past a few challenges before arrowing a great cross into the box, Jonny Hayes looks certain to nod the ball home but can't apply the finishing touch, heading over amid frantic Kairat defending.

"Disappointing for Aberdeen but that's a great goal," booms BBC Scotland pundit Willie Miller.

It's been coming. With their tails up and the lionshare of possession Kairat open the scoring as Mikhail Bakaev collects a great little dink on the left of the penalty area following an impressive move featuring half a doze passes, fires a superb shot across Danny Ward and into the bottom corner.

Gregor Suttie: Come on ye redddds!! #bbcscotfootball