Rangers carried their Old Firm momentum straight back to Ibrox with a calm, composed and thoroughly controlled 2–0 victory over managerless Aberdeen, continuing an impressive run under Danny Röhl and tightening their grip on the Premiership title race.
Set-pieces once again proved decisive as goals from Emmanuel Fernandez and Nicolas Raskin – both delivered via pinpoint Connor Barron corners – settled the contest and underlined just how dangerous Rangers have become from dead-ball situations.
Röhl made two changes from the side that dismantled Celtic at the weekend, with captain James Tavernier and Mohamed Diomande returning to the starting XI.
Thelo Aasgaard dropped to the bench, joined by Dujon Sterling who’s minutes continue to be carefully managed as he works back to full sharpness ahead of Sunday’s return fixture at Pittodrie.
Rangers started with authority and almost struck inside five minutes when Barron, facing his former club, pounced after Dimităr Mitov spilled a corner.
The Aberdeen goalkeeper was relieved to see his defence scramble the danger clear after the Scotland international’s effort was well blocked.
That warning went unheeded moments later.
From the next corner, Barron’s delivery was perfect and Fernandez rose highest to power home, continuing a remarkable scoring run for the centre-back.
It was his fifth goal of the season – a staggering return given he has only established himself in the side in recent months and, remarkably, now looks like one of Rangers most reliable finishers despite the club’s heavy investment in attacking options.
Rangers grip on the match only tightened from there. Barron and Raskin absolutely ran the show in midfield, dictating tempo, winning second balls and linking play intelligently.
Diomande was heavily involved too, combining neatly in tight areas as Rangers played some lovely, sharp football through the middle, repeatedly bypassing Aberdeen’s press with slick give-and-goes.
The second goal, inevitably, came from another corner. Barron again delivered with precision and Raskin attacked the near post with his now-trademark run, glancing a header beyond Mitov to double the advantage.
Tavernier went close with a deep free kick that required a fingertip save, while Aberdeen’s threat was largely limited to sporadic balls over the top.
Jack Butland was rarely troubled, although the visitors did pass up opportunities after finding themselves through with balls over the top – but touches and composure let them down.
The second half followed a similar pattern.
Aasgaard replaced Mikey Moore at the break, while Rangers continued to dominate territory and possession. Raskin, Aasgaard and late substitute Danilo all came close to adding a third, with Chermiti also impressing through strong hold-up and link-up play that helped Rangers sustain pressure as did Bojan Miovski – coming on against his old side.
Ultimately, it was another professional night’s work: a clean sheet, total control, and three well-earned points.
With Celtic and Hearts not in action until the weekend, Rangers move to within three points of the league leaders and three clear of their city rivals, albeit with both having games in hand.
Attention now turns quickly to Pittodrie.