HNK Rijeka 0-3 Aberdeen (5 Key Decisions)

Much has been made of HNK Rijeka in the media throughout the past week, and justifiably so as the Croatian side looked set to be a formidable opposition with 8 internationals in their side and an unbeaten record in their last 12 European home matches prior to Thursday night. It’s a run that included meetings with Stuttgart, Real Betis, Standard Liege, Lyon, Feyenoord and current Europa League holders Sevilla. Aberdeen emerged 3-0 victors following a fine tactical performance, upsetting the odds and the home support. In order to do so, some key decisions were made by Derek McInnes prior to kickoff and during the 90 minutes.

1. Danny Ward – The goalkeeper on loan from Liverpool has a promising pedigree but his first two competitive performances for the Dons against KF Shkëndija have not been without moments of hesitancy. An unfortunate bounce on the Macedonian pitch during the first leg of the tie almost allowed for Shkëndija to open the scoring and would have left the goalkeeper blushing had it not been for a last-ditch challenge from Paul Quinn. The second leg saw Ward struggle to hold onto a free-kick, before showing his capabilities in the latter stages with some fine stops to ensure Aberdeen progressed. It would have been harsh for McInnes to drop Ward but refusing to do so still proved to be a strong decision as the goalkeeper put in an exceptionally assured performance in Rijeka. Confident receiving crosses under pressure, efforts on target appeared to stick to the goalkeeper like glue. This was epitomised when the goalkeeper was equal to a glancing header from Brazilian Moises. Ward’s ease in the situation helped calm early nerves and gave the Dons a strong foothold in the encounter. A strong double-handed save towards the end of the match meant that Aberdeen secured a clean sheet going into the second leg and suggested that Ward might just be the answer to recent goalkeeping problems at Pittodrie.
2. 5 at the back – As the line-up was announced, most expected (or at least we did) a 4-5-1 formation with Andy Considine at left-back and Graeme Shinnie occupying the centre of midfield. As the game got underway, however, it became evident that McInnes had opted for a back three with wing backs, effectively forming a back five. Initial confusion between Hayes at left wing back and Considine on the left of the three centre backs meant that Rijeka forward Tomasov was allowed in behind on two separate occasions. Thankfully the once-capped Croatian missed two glaring opportunities. As the defence settled into the match, the intention of the back five became clear with Jonny Hayes and Shay Logan making the most of every opportunity afforded to them to push forward and offer width. With Jack and Shinnie offering a combination of ball retention and ball carrying in their respective central positions, Aberdeen’s main offensive opportunities came with the overlapping of Hayes and Logan. In fact the second and third goals were a result of this tactic being employed as Logan supplied the assist for Pawlett and regained possession for Aberdeen’s David Goodwillie to tee up Kenny McLean by winning a header in the final third. Pawlett’s disallowed effort was a result of Hayes overlapping and the Irishman’s positive play on the left won the corner from which Considine headed in the opener. The pace of the wing backs on the counter-attack stretched Rijeka and meant that the Dons were content to soak up pressure before hitting the home side on the break.
3. Peter Pawlett – One of the debates since qualifying for the second round has been whether to start with Pawlett or McLean. When on form, Pawlett offers scintillating pace and incision on the break but McLean offers a footballing intelligence, vision and desire to complete the slide-rule pass. McInnes opted for Pawlett in the hope that he would be able to utilise his pace to run beyond the last man and link well with David Goodwillie. The decision looked to be an intelligent one early on as Pawlett did well to chase down a poor pass from a teammate and win a corner. Towards the end of the half, if the attacking midfielder had just shown the presence of mind to delay his run by a second Aberdeen would have been two ahead going into the break. However, the academy graduate was rewarded when a perfect cross supplied by Logan allowed Pawlett to place an almost identical diving header beyond the flailing Vargic. The performance of Peter Pawlett was tireless and meant that the home defence was barely afforded a minute’s rest.
4. David Goodwillie – The Scotsman website remarked that the decision made by McInnes to drop Rooney to the bench in favour of David Goodwillie was a surprising one. However, the change did not come as a surprise to the Aberdeen faithful given the striker’s ability to bring the ball down and hold up play in order to connect midfield and attack. Rooney is undoubtedly the superior goalscorer but given the nature of the tie, Goodwillie’s inclusion was the right decision. Throughout the 90 minutes, Goodwillie also offered the team respite by drawing fouls time and time again in order to gain territory and slow down proceedings. Displaying a work ethic perhaps not yet seen in his time in a red shirt, the target man put in an excellent performance. The attributes that Goodwillie displayed were perfect for the occasion and this was captured when he showed an exquisite first touch to receive Logan’s header before deftly knocking the ball over the head of a Rijeka defender and allow McLean to volley home Aberdeen’s third of the evening.
5. Timing and personnel of substitutions – In order to achieve a result against Rijeka, the correct personnel would have to be introduced at the right time. That is to say, substitutions were key. Willo Flood’s inclusion in the previous two European ties has frustrated supporters. Flood generally doesn’t complement the style of captain and fellow centre midfielder Ryan Jack, and while being capable of breaking up play, he does not contribute to swift changeovers from defence to attack. Therefore, opting for Jack and Shinnie in the centre of the park was refreshing to see but there would come a time when Willo Flood would be needed. With the scoreline perched at 2-0 in the 60th minute, Pawlett made way for the Irishman and almost immediately the energy and hassling Flood offered in the middle reinvigorated tiring legs around him. Not only did Flood pressure in the right areas at the right times but even showed a desire to drive forward with the ball. The second substitution came as Kenny McLean was introduced in place of Niall McGinn in the 67th minute. It would be just 8 minutes before McLean found himself on the end of Goodwillie’s assist to rifle home the third goal for Aberdeen. McLean’s composure on the ball coincided with improving possession in the second half. The final change in personnel came in the 83rd minute when Goodwillie made way for Adam Rooney. Goodwillie performed a thankless task as the lone striker for 83 minutes with aplomb. Rooney’s responsibilities would be the same and last season’s 27 goal striker appeared to offer a freshness with a good work rate in the closing stages.

As underdogs against European competition who are stronger on paper, it is important to get the tactics right. Derek McInnes and Tony Docherty may have surprised people with the shape and some of the individuals set out as they looked for a result in Rijeka, but ultimately the key decisions made by the management staff ensured an invaluable three goal advantage going into the second leg. The tie is not over, however, and there is now a responsibility to make further shrewd decisions in order to progress to secure progress to the third round of Europa League qualifying.