Redemption for Joe Lewis. Aberdeen are caught short at the back as Vesovic twists one way, then another, to fashion room for a shot but the big Dons goalie stays focused to make a very important block.

Not long to go now. Aberdeen continue to get men forward.

Could they sneak an equaliser?

St Johnstone are in a great position at halfway.

Chris Kane with the only goal, while Zander Clark has had to make a couple of important saves, one in the first few moments and one right before the half-time whistle.

Image source, SNS

Finally, a shot on target from Aberdeen but Christian Ramirez can only scuff the ball and it's a beyond-easy take for the wee keeper.

A great save from Zander Clark keeps St Johnstone ahead against LASK.

Jan Boller has a go from 25 yards and his effort takes a slight deflection, forcing Clark to tip the ball over the bar.

A nice passing move from Aberdeen creates a crossing opportunity for Jonny Hayes but he can't beat the first defender.

It didn't look particularly venomous but the Qarabag man who got his head in the way goes down like a stunned sack of spuds.

Once the corner comes in, only a brave blocking tackle denies Scott Brown connecting properly with a flying volley.

As they did in Istanbul, St Johnstone have taken a shock lead, but this time they are doing a solid job of protecting that advantage.

Remember, 10-man Galatasaray hit back almost immediately.

Image source, SNS

A long-range effort from Kady is dipping but not enough to worry Joe Lewis as the Aberdeen goalie watches the shot fly over.

They say a bad pitch can be "a leveller" and that is proving the case out in Baku, with both sets of players made to look a bit foolish at times as the bobbling ball eludes them.

If Aberdeen can keep it to 1-0, it's not so bad, but Qarabag will probably relish playing on the lush Pittodrie grass too.

Ouch!published at 18:27 British Summer Time 19 August 2021

18:27 BST 19 August 2021

Qarabag 1-0 Aberdeen

Lewis Ferguson is caught by a late body slam, which takes the wind out of his sails.

Andrade is booked for the crude challenge and Ferguson will be just fine after he catches his breath.

Ali McCann is so close to doubling St Johnstone's lead.

Glenn Middleton continues to cause LASK all sorts of issues on the left flank and another one of his crosses hits a St Johnstone player.

A fingertip save from goalkeeper Alexander Schlager denies the Northern Ireland midfielder from outside the box.

Aberdeen are just starting to creep into this, enjoying a bit of possession in the home half, but they are yet to find a telling final pass.

They will need to be careful not to leave any gaps at the back though.

Aberdeen captain Scott Brown is booked for a cynical kick at the calf of Borges Malinowski, who was threatening to break away.

After a nervy opening, St Johnstone have settled into the match quite nicely.

They aren't seeing much of the ball, but LASK have not been able to create any clear-cut chances.

A few hairy moments at the back for Aberdeen as they try to play their way out of trouble on the terrible, churned up pitch.

A poor touch in front of goal from Sheydayev means they go unpunished.

The furthest St Johnstone have gone in Europe is the third round of the Uefa Cup in 1971-72, losing 5-2 on aggregate to Zeljeznicar Sarajevo of Croatia.

Can they reach the group stage of the Europa Conference League? You wouldn't want to write off this Saints side after their cup double heroics last season.

Here we go for the second half in Azerbaijan.

Connor MacLennan is on for Jay Emmanuel-Thomas.

The hosts threaten immediately and Zander Clark is called upon.

Jan Boller gets the ball inside the six yard box and the St Johnstone goalkeeper makes a quick stop with his feet.

This is another very difficult assignment for St Johnstone given LASK's recent Europa League pedigree.

Last season, they finished third in a high-scoring group behind Tottenham and Royal Antwerp.

The year before, they topped a section containing Sporting of Portugal, and PSV Eindhoven, before losing to Manchester United in the last 16.

LASK finished fourth in the Austrian Bundesliga last term but have won just once in four games this season.