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Tural Bayramov, Qarabag's Tural Bayramov, scores the first goal
Aberdeen's European hopes have been dashed after being outclassed in the Europa Conference League playoff by Qarabag from Azerbaijan.
Pittodrie, a raucous expectant, was soon subdued by the visitors who put on a calm display and effectively ended the tie in 20 minutes.
Toral Bayramov's brilliant strike put them in the lead, Kady Borges scored 10 minutes later and Abdellah Zubir scored after the break, just before Lewis Ferguson's stoppage time penalty.
After years of frustration with the Europa League qualifiers this tie in Uefa’s new Conference League was presented to Aberdeen as an opportunity to reach a group stage. However, it became apparent that there was a huge gap in quality.
Qarabag has been playing in the Europa League groups frequently over the past decade. While Aberdeen started at an alarming pace, they were unable to maintain their composure. They made their greatest pedigree clear after the visitors had recovered theirs.
They effectively pressed Aberdeen and were deadly on the transition as forwards Kady Romero and Abdellah Zubir combined slickly.
Stephen Glass, Aberdeen's boss, will be disappointed at Qarabag's first goal. However, a throw in on the left wasn’t dealt with, and Bayramov had enough space to fire a spectacular left-foot shot across Joe Lewis into his net.
Kady missed six yards from the goal line, but Qarabag made the turn and Qarabag was able to stop Qarabag. Qarabag then turned the screw and Qarabag took Qarabag's hand. Romero hit a great through ball to surpass Lewis five minutes later.
Aberdeen, who signed Marley Watkins after kick-off, had to score three goals to force extra time against Azerbaijan's 1-0 loss. This was against an opponent who hadn't conceded a goal in open play this season.
Aberdeen attempted to respond, but a sensational comeback was not possible. Jonny Hayes forced Shakhrudin Momedaliyev to make two great saves, but this was the sum of their best opportunities.
Instead, Zoubir pushed beyond Lewis to score Qarabag's third goal. This was after Aberdeen had given away cheap possession in midfield.
Calvin Ramsay was able to draw a foul during stoppage time and score a spot-kick. However, despite Ferguson's well-taken strike getting Aberdeen on their scoreboard, they were still a well-beaten team.
Abdellah Zoubir, Man of the Match
Zoubir was a great ball player and presented a threat with his speed and trickery. He also added a goal as well as an assist.
What have we learned?
After some difficult draws over the years, including Sporting Lisbon (and Real Sociedad), this was supposed to be Aberdeen's chance at reaching the European competition groups. But they never came close.
After a frenetic start to the chaotic atmosphere, they were able to escape the first leg with only a 1-0 loss on a terrible pitch in the scorching heat.
Glass has lost four matches in his first season as Aberdeen manager, after a thrilling start. He also lost the League Cup to Championship side Raith Rovers.
Although the football is more exciting and absorbent than previous seasons, there are still some details to work out in a high-tempo game. There also needs to be an obvious Plan B.
Their chaotic play makes it difficult for them to control games against stronger opposition. They also often lose the ball, leaving them exposed as Qarabag demonstrated with his third goal.
Glass hopes that time and more recruits will help him to be more comfortable with his style and offer more options. The Aberdeen boss did not comment on the reports linking him to Newcastle's Matty Langstaff on loan. However, he stressed the importance of signing more people before Tuesday's deadline.
Qarabag was classy, but the fact Europe is finished for another season, with a guaranteed 3m to reach the groups, will be a stinging reminder of the League Cup's end.
They said it!
Stephen Glass, Aberdeen manager: "After a decent beginning, we were right into it and they scored a goal from nothing. We're now chasing the game against an extremely good team. Tonight, we played against a stronger team.
"We still give away the ball a little too cheaply at times. We are not as dangerous at the top as we would love to be. [We need to] perhaps add some pace higher up the pitch."
What's next?
Aberdeen will be taking on Ross County at Pittodrie this Sunday (15:00 BST) for the Scottish Premiership.
