With no hope left in the Premiership race, Rangers boss Barry Ferguson opted for a rotation this afternoon against Aberdeen to keep his first-team stars fit and fresh for midweek’s decisive Europa League quarter-final tie against Athletic Bilbao.
The Dons had a perfect start when they grabbed a lead early into the contest; moreover, Ross McCausland’s dismissal handed them a numerical advantage for the majority of the game. Yet Jimmy Thelin’s men failed to take advantage of the situation, as the Gers scripted an incredible comeback from two goals down to finish it all square at Pittodrie.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their 2-2 draw against Aberdeen.
Liam Kelly: 5.5
Earned back-to-back starts following his Thursday night heroics. But the Scottish custodian should have stopped Leighton Clarkson’s free-kick around the half-hour mark.
Rafael Fernandes: 6
The youngster must be very disappointed as he finally got an opportunity to impress. However, his time was short-lived due to an unfortunate injury, which forced him to leave the pitch within 20 minutes. James Tavernier replaced him down the right-hand side of Rangers’ ‘back three’.
Robin Propper: 7
His marching order early on put the Light Blues in the backseat against Bilbao, but the Dutchman showed great composure and resoluteness to keep the Rangers’ hopes alive.
Clinton Nsiala: 6.5
Did the basics right in the heart of the backline after an initial catastrophe. Was in the right place at the right time while making challenges, blocks, clearances and interceptions.
Ross McCausland: 4
A dismal afternoon for the Scotsman who received two bookings in quick succession and received a marching order at the backend of the first half. Must be blamed for his irresponsible act.
Connor Barron: 7.5
Did his best to have control over the midfield battle. Struggled with a man down, yet he engaged in duels, went for tackles, and tried to dribble past his opponents from the centre of the pitch.
Nedim Bajrami: 7
A new role for the Albanian, as he was deployed centrally by Ferguson. Carried the ball forward from the deep to operate in the advanced areas, and also made timely tackles, interceptions, and recoveries before being replaced by Ianis Hagi midway through the second half.
Findlay Curtis: 7.5
The teenage ace looked impressive with his flair and finesse from the flank. Played some smart one-twos in and around the attacking third. Set it up for Hamza Igamane, who reduced the deficit minutes into the second half. Was taken off for Cyriel Dessers with 15 minutes remaining.
Danilo: 6
The Brazilian tried to be creative and combative with his dribbles and duels. But he was mostly unsuccessful with those attempts, thus making way for Mohamed Diomande at the half-time break.
Oscar Cortes: 6
A rare start for the Colombian, who played a few passes into the final third and forced Ross Doohan to make a routine save before being replaced by Jefte at half-time.
Hamza Igamane: 8
Got the nod over Dessers for the ‘number 9’ spot. And the young Moroccan made the opportunity count by bringing ten-man Rangers back in the game with a perfect strike into the bottom corner.
Rangers Subs vs Aberdeen
James Tavernier: 7
Was brought in the defensive third as Fernandes’ replacement. The veteran Englishman added attacking firepower since Igamane’s goal and helped the attackers push for a late equalizer.
Mohamed Diomande: 7
His footwork, ball-carrying and holding traits allowed Rangers to restore stability in the half and central spaces.
Jefte: 7
Played it into the part of Hagi during the Romanian’s last-gasp equalizer.
Ianis Hagi: 7.5
His sensational goal in the closing moments saw the Gers avoid a defeat on the road.
Cyriel Dessers: 6.5
Added more firepower upfront and kept the Dons on their toes for the final few minutes of the encounter.
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