Aberdeen’s Europa League opponents Maribor hit by tragedy after two players die in car crash two days before second leg
Damjan Marjanovic, 20, and 21-year-old Zoran Baljak were were involved in a smash on their way to training on Tuesday
Aberdeen's Europa League opponents Maribor have been hit by tragedy two days before their second leg tie after two of their young players died in a road accident.
Damjan Marjanovic, 20, and 21-year-old Zoran Baljak were were involved in a smash on their way to training which left a third player, goalkeeper Ljubormir Morvian, 20, seriously injured.
A Maribor statement read: "With immense pain we received the tragic news that has shattered us deeply.
"A cruel fate has intervened in its severest form and taken away two young members of our Violet family."
Aberdeen play Maribor in the second leg of their Europa League third-round qualifying tie in Slovenia on Thursday night. The teams drew 1-1 in the first leg at Pittodrie last week.
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None of the young players involved in the crash took part in last week's match.
Chief executive Duncan Fraser said: "I spoke with my counterpart Bojan Bon this afternoon and have passed on our condolences from all of the Aberdeen family.
"This puts everything into perspective. The clubs have developed an excellent relationship in the build-up to the games and we will co-operate fully with any wishes that NK Maribor may have to mark this tragedy."