The buzz at Ibrox was palpable as Rangers continued their impressive league form with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Aberdeen. With a stellar performance from start to finish, Philippe Clement’s side showcased their determination and resilience against a spirited Aberdeen team under the helm of Neil Warnock.
The game kicked off with Rangers displaying their attacking prowess early on. Rabbi Matondo’s early goal, his second in three days, set the tone for an intense battle at Ibrox. Matondo’s clinical finish was a testament to his sharpness in front of goal, following a well-crafted move initiated by Todd Cantwell and executed by Ross McCausland.
Despite Rangers’ dominance in the first half, Aberdeen managed to find an equalizer just before halftime through Bojan Miovski, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to level the score. The setback didn’t deter Rangers, who came out strong in the second half, pressing for another breakthrough.
The introduction of January signings Fabio Silva and Oscar Cortes injected fresh energy into Rangers’ attack, with Silva coming close to finding the net with a headed effort. However, it was Cantwell who once again proved decisive, marking his 50th competitive appearance for the club with a crucial goal to put Rangers back in the lead.
The latter stages of the game saw some tense moments, including a VAR-reviewed red card for Dujon Sterling, adding to the drama on the pitch. Despite Aberdeen’s late push for an equalizer, Rangers held firm, with goalkeeper Jack Butland making a comfortable save to secure all three points for his team.
Clement’s tactical substitutions and the team’s collective effort were instrumental in clinching this important victory. The win not only extends Rangers’ impressive league form but also underscores their resilience in the face of adversity.
As the final whistle blew, Ibrox erupted in celebration, acknowledging the team’s determination and commitment to success. With eyes set on maintaining their momentum, Rangers will look ahead to upcoming challenges with confidence and determination, knowing that they have what it takes to emerge victorious in the battles that lie ahead.
Main Match Talking Points from the Rangers v Aberdeen Match
Todd Cantwell
In the spotlight of Rangers’ victory over Aberdeen, several standout performances and pivotal decisions took centre stage. Todd Cantwell, operating in the number 10 role, exhibited exceptional creativity and spatial awareness, injecting intensity into Rangers’ forward line. His contributions weren’t limited to attack; Cantwell’s commitment to tracking back defensively, even in the dying moments of the game, underscored his all-around impact. Notably, his alertness to capitalise on the rebound from Tom Lawrence’s shot showcased his readiness in front of goal.
Rabbi Matondo
Rabbi Matondo’s electrifying pace proved to be a constant thorn in Aberdeen’s side. His quick reaction to slot home the opening goal following a goalkeeper spill highlighted his predatory instincts. However, amidst moments of brilliance, Matondo’s hesitation in critical situations left some fans frustrated, notably when he delayed his shot after breezing past two Aberdeen defenders which would have seen Rangers go 2-0 up.
John Lundstram
John Lundstram’s midfield mastery was evident throughout the game, as he tirelessly controlled the tempo, orchestrated play, and ensured Rangers maintained momentum. His work rate and commanding presence epitomised his immense contribution to the team’s success. Towards the end of the match he ran from inside the Rangers half to the corner at time ticked down. Well done!
Fabio Silva
Fabio Silva, showing signs of improved match fitness, demonstrated excellent ball control and a willingness to engage in tackles. Despite not finding the scoresheet, Silva’s resilience in bouncing back from challenges and his adept passing added value to Rangers’ forward lines. He’s starting to look like a real player!
New Recruits
Among the new recruits, Oscar Cortes impressed with his agility and composure, particularly in managing the game in its closing stages. Mohammed Diomande’s debut showcased his confidence and comfort on the ball, hinting at a promising future with the team.
Referee – Don Robertson
However, the match was not without controversy, with referee Don Robertson’s decisions sparking debate. While correctly penalizing Aberdeen’s Duk for a foul, Robertson overlooked subsequent incidents, including Duk’s trip on Dujon Sterling, which many felt warranted a second yellow card. Furthermore, Robertson’s decision to issue a straight red card to Sterling late in the game drew scrutiny, with the tackle appearing accidental and VAR seemingly supporting a downgrade to a yellow card. Rangers are expected to appeal this decision with the Scottish Football Association (SFA).
Starting Lineup for Rangers v Aberdeen Match
We had predicted that Raskin and Silva would make the starting line up, however the Rangers manager went with Tom Lawrence (who had a very good game) and Cyrial Dessers.
Player Ratings – Rangers v Aberdeen
| Player | Rating |
| Jack Butland | 7 |
| James Tavernier | 8 |
| Connor Goldson | 6 |
| John Souttar | 7 |
| Ridvan Yilmaz | 8 |
| Tom Lawrence | 7 |
| John Lundsram | 9 |
| Ross McCausland | 7 |
| Todd Cantwell | 9 |
| Rabbi Matondo | 7 |
| Cyriel Dessers | 7 |
Substitutions: Oscar Cortes (7), Fabio Silva (8), Dujon Sterling (5), Mohammed Diomande (7)
Man of the Match
In the post-match analysis, the debate over the Man of the Match honors centered around two standout players: Todd Cantwell and John Lundstram. While other media outlets leaned towards Cantwell for his dynamic display and crucial contributions in both attack and defense, the Ibrox Insider takes a different stance.
We believe that Lundstram’s midfield mastery and tireless work rate deserve special recognition. His control of the game’s tempo, orchestrating play with precision, and ensuring Rangers’ momentum remained constant throughout the match were invaluable. Therefore, despite the close call, we proudly name John Lundstram as our Man of the Match, acknowledging his exceptional performance and significant impact on Rangers’ victory over Aberdeen.