Pittodrie Drama: Ten-Man Rangers Delay Celtic’s Title Party with Thrilling Comeback
Rangers’ rollercoaster domestic campaign took another twist at Pittodrie as Barry Ferguson’s much-changed side, reduced to ten men in the first half, clawed back a dramatic 2-2 draw against Aberdeen. On a day when Celtic fans were hoping for a Rangers collapse to confirm the title, the Ibrox side once again showed their fighting spirit — and ensured the championship race drags on just a little longer.
With the Scottish Premiership crown potentially being handed to their bitter rivals depending on the outcome, there was pressure on Rangers despite the significant rotation. But in the end, goals from Hamza Igamane and Ianis Hagi rescued a point after Aberdeen had taken a 2-0 first-half lead through Leighton Clarkson’s pinpoint free-kick and Pape Habib Gueye’s clinical finish.
Ross McCausland’s red card threatened to derail any fightback hopes, but Barry Ferguson’s side refused to throw in the towel — rallying once again in the face of adversity. While the result may not significantly shift the outcome of the title race, it says plenty about the character of this Rangers squad and the mindset Ferguson is instilling, even temporarily.
Let’s dive deeper into the three big winners and two disappointing losers from a chaotic afternoon in the northeast.
WINNERS
- Barry Ferguson – Smart Rotation, Big Response
If there were any doubts about Barry Ferguson’s managerial nous heading into this match, this game answered some. The former Rangers captain took a calculated risk by rotating heavily ahead of a vital European tie against Athletic Club de Bilbao, and while the decision brought its own risks, the result ultimately justified the strategy.
Ferguson rested key figures like James Tavernier, Cyriel Dessers, and Mohamed Diomande, choosing to give opportunities to squad players and fringe options. The move initially appeared to backfire, as Rangers went 2-0 down and lost Ross McCausland to a red card — but Ferguson didn’t panic. His substitutions were timely and effective, with Tavernier and Diomande both introduced to help stabilise the midfield and defence, while Hagi was given the freedom to roam and influence the final third.
Importantly, Ferguson navigated this tie without adding to the club’s injury woes. In a packed fixture list, avoiding injuries while still clawing out a result is a win in itself. His use of substitutes, game management with ten men, and refusal to accept defeat all reflect a manager who understands the moment. Whether he’s in the frame for the permanent job or not, he’s done his reputation no harm with this performance.
- Connor Barron – A Stirring Homecoming
All eyes were on Connor Barron as he returned to Pittodrie to face his boyhood club. The young midfielder, who made the switch to Rangers amid some controversy, was always going to be a target for jeers — and the Aberdeen fans didn’t disappoint. But neither did Barron.
Appointed captain temporarily in the early stages due to an injury to Rafael Fernandes and the late introduction of Tavernier, Barron showed immense maturity. He didn’t shy away from tackles, tracked back relentlessly, and appeared unfazed by the boos raining down on him.
He played like a player with something to prove — not to Aberdeen, but to his current club. His energy, composure, and willingness to carry the ball under pressure helped Rangers dig in during tough spells. While his technical ability continues to grow, it’s his mental strength and character that shone through most. In a Rangers midfield still searching for consistent leadership since Ryan Jack’s injuries and John Lundstram’s inconsistency, Barron might just be growing into the role.
- Ianis Hagi – Reminder of What Rangers Could Lose
Ianis Hagi’s time at Ibrox has been marred by injuries, form dips, and speculation. Loaned out to Alaves earlier this season, few would’ve predicted the Romanian playmaker playing a starring role in the business end of Rangers’ campaign. But after impressing in Europe midweek, Hagi once again stepped up at Pittodrie.
With Rangers pushing for a late equaliser in the dying minutes, Hagi picked up the ball on the edge of the box, shifted it onto his left foot, and curled a sensational strike past Aberdeen’s Kelle Roos. It was the type of goal that defines games — and possibly a player’s future.
While his contract situation remains unresolved, Hagi’s performances in recent weeks are doing the talking. He’s bringing creativity, intelligence, and a real sense of belief back into his play. Given Rangers’ struggles in the final third this season when lacking imagination, Hagi is making himself indispensable at the perfect time. If the club lets him go in the summer, they’ll lose more than a squad player — they’ll lose a game-changer.
LOSERS
- Rafael Fernandes – From Opportunity to Obscurity
Signed on loan from Lille with an option to buy for £2.7 million, Rafael Fernandes was expected to at least offer defensive depth. Instead, he’s become a peripheral figure — and this game highlighted why.
Handed a rare start, the Portuguese defender looked nervous and off the pace from the opening whistle. He struggled to deal with Aberdeen’s high press, gave the ball away under little pressure, and was caught flat-footed for much of his 20-minute cameo. Whether it was nerves or lack of rhythm, his performance was alarming.
Ferguson had no choice but to haul him off early, possibly due to injury concerns — but the damage was already done. In a squad where young defenders like Leon King and Johnly Yfeko are starting to knock on the door, Fernandes needed to grab this opportunity with both hands. Instead, it slipped through his fingers. Barring a miraculous turnaround, it seems unlikely Rangers will make his loan permanent.
- Ross McCausland – Talented, But Undisciplined
Ross McCausland is a player with undeniable talent. Bursting into the Rangers first team last season, the Northern Irish youngster showed pace, energy, and a willingness to take on defenders. But his progress has stagnated this term — and this match may prove a defining low point.
Deployed as a makeshift wing-back, McCausland looked uncomfortable from the outset. He was too often caught out defensively and committed two rash challenges that earned him a red card within a ten-minute spell. While his second yellow may have looked harsh, it was avoidable — and utterly unnecessary in such a high-stakes game.
For a club like Rangers, where discipline and composure are non-negotiables, McCausland’s recklessness will have frustrated the coaching staff. He still has time to learn and grow, but he’ll need to show he can adapt tactically and mature emotionally if he wants to be part of the long-term picture at Ibrox. This was a damaging day for his standing in the squad.
Final Thoughts – Fight, Flaws, and the Future
This wasn’t a performance to hang banners over. But it was a result that revealed the character of a squad still chasing silverware on multiple fronts. Barry Ferguson’s men showed grit and resilience in a hostile environment, and with ten men, they silenced a vocal Aberdeen crowd and Celtic fans eagerly watching from afar.
Rangers may not be able to stop the title slipping across Glasgow, but results like this — and the players stepping up to deliver them — will be key in defining what comes next. Europe remains a major focus, but so too does identifying which players deserve to be part of Rangers’ next chapter.
Whether Ferguson remains in charge or not, this was a game that will linger in the memory — not just for the drama, but for the implications.
Celtic’s title will likely come soon. But for now, Rangers are still standing. Bloodied, bruised, and ten men down — but still swinging.
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