ABERDEEN, Scotland — In a gripping clash at Pittodrie Stadium on April 13, 2025, Rangers pulled off a stunning comeback against Aberdeen, finishing the match 2-2 despite being reduced to ten men.
Aberdeen dominated early, with Leighton Clarkson scoring a superb free-kick and Pape Habib Gueye doubling the lead just before halftime. Ross McCausland was sent off for Rangers after receiving a second yellow card, leaving his side at a disadvantage.
Shortly after the break, Hamza Igamane scored, narrowing the gap to 2-1. Ianis Hagi then shocked the Aberdeen fans with a brilliant equalizer in stoppage time, ensuring Rangers avoided defeat.
“We showed heart coming back from 2-0 down with ten men,” Hagi told Sky Sports. “It’s crucial for us to keep going, especially with more important matches on the horizon.”
Aberdeen’s first-half performance showcased their attacking flair as they capitalized on Rangers’ mistakes. Clarkson’s exquisite free-kick put the home team ahead, followed by a close-range finish from Gueye after a defensive lapse. Rangers struggled but managed to keep the deficit manageable with defensive efforts.
However, Rangers came into the second half energized. Igamane’s powerful shot brought them back into contention, setting the tone for a tense second half. Despite some missed opportunities from both teams, Hagi’s late strike proved decisive.
Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin expressed disappointment at losing the lead. “It hurts to throw away that lead, especially at home. We had chances and we should have taken them,” he said after the match.
Earlier in the match, Aberdeen had a goal disallowed for handball, which marked a turning point in their momentum. “If that goal had stood, we might have seen a different outcome,” Thelin added.
With this result, Aberdeen sits in fifth place with 49 points, while Rangers remain in second with 65 points, trailing Celtic by a significant 16 points.
Both teams now shift focus to their upcoming matches, with Rangers looking to secure a positive result in their upcoming Europa League quarter-final against Athletic Bilbao.
As the season progresses, both teams aspire to ensure their positions in the league and make a mark in Europe.
