Breidablik v Aberdeen: Christian Ramirez inspires Dons to Europa Conference League win

Aberdeen took a step towards the play-off round of the Europa Conference League after they "dug out" a 3-2 win in Iceland over Breidablik.

Christian Ramirez scored either side of Lewis Ferguson's header, his second coing after Gisli Eyjolfson and Arni Vilhjalmsson drew the hosts level.

The win means Aberdeen move closer to a tie with AEL Limassol or Qarabag, who drew 1-1 in the first leg.

"We got a loose after an unbelievable start," said manager Stephen Glass.

"But what you saw was a response and they got a reward for their work-rate because that's a good team they played against. We controlled the bulk of the second half and dug a result out, which is important in Europe."

Glass could hardly have asked for a better start to the contest. Aiming to get to a play-off stage that eluded them during in Derek McInnes' eight-year reign as manager, a routine from the training ground set them on their way.

Breidablik were caught sleeping. Calvin Ramsay's corner was passed straight into Ramirez, who finished with aplomb. The Icelandic side had shocked Austria Vienna in the last round but Aberdeen appeared in no mood to suffer the same fate.

Ramsay again was the architect as they quickly doubled the lead, his corner this time met by Ferguson, who headed high into the net.

Those celebrations were soon dampened, though, as Breidablik ended a frantic spell with a goal of their own. They worked down the right-hand side before Eyjolfson scrambled the ball into the net.

It started so well for the away side but a lapse at the back had allowed Breidablik back in. Another would send the visitors back to the drawing board. Andy Considine was deemed to have tripped Vilhjalmsson inside the area and Breidablik's number 10 rose to his feet to level.

More was needed from the away team and route one was their way to success. Goalkeeper Joe Lewis shelled the ball long, Connor McLennan did well to bring it down, and he teed up Ramirez for an easy finish.

Scott Brown began to boss the midfield proceedings as the game calmed, with the half-time substitution of striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas for centre-back Declan Gallagher also giving Aberdeen a more solid look.

They ramped up their efforts for a fourth goal and Funso Ojo should have had it with a close-range header, but Glass will remain content with their evening's work ahead of the return leg at Pittodrie next Thursday.

Aberdeen look to have found an exciting blend this season. Goals were a problem last term- the fourth lowest scorers in the Scottish Premiership - but the arrival of Ramirez has almost solved that problem on its own.

In defence there were still some issues - losing two goals in the first half after being 2-0 up was from ideal - but they comfortably got over the line in an enthralling five-goal spectacle.

Aberdeen manager Stephen Glass: "I felt the penalty was soft but it livened us up a bit. The players looked a bit leggy but second half you saw a reaction and that was the important thing.

"The message at half time was not to panic because we allowed them to come back into the game and the three changes helped."

Aberdeen travel to Livingston in the Scottish Premiership this Sunday (15:00 BST) before hosting Breidablik in the second leg next Thursday (19:45).