Aberdeen draw with Shkendija in Europa League first qualifying round

AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski

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Aberdeen escaped Macedonia with a draw in their Europa League first qualifying round match against Shkendija 79 on Thursday.

Niall McGinn opened the scoring for the Scottish side in the 79th minute, but Shkendija equalised just five minutes later to secure the home side the result as the tie heads back to Pittodrie Stadium.

McGinn's goal was a straightforward one, the No. 10 sweeping in an accurate, bouncing cross from the right off the foot of Shaleum Logan.

However Hristijan Kirovski's perfectly-placed, looping header from just inside the 18-yard box was an exquisite end to an entertaining game at the Philip II Arena.

The two clubs will play the return leg on July 7 in Aberdeen.