Ianis Hagi scored a stoppage-time equaliser as 10-man Rangers roared back from two down to draw 2-2 at in-form Aberdeen and deny Celtic an early title party.
A Dons win over the second-place Gers would have confirmed the Hoops as champions, and that scenario looked all set to come to fruition as Barry Ferguson’s makeshift team – featuring nine changes from the Europa League quarter-final first leg against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday – were torn apart in the first half.
The bedraggled visitors found themselves two goals and a man down at the break after strikes from Reds pair Leighton Clarkson and Pape Gueye, either side of Ross McCausland’s 40th-minute red card for two bookable offences.
🚀 | @IanisHagi10 pic.twitter.com/pzxo7TG4uA
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) April 13, 2025
But Gers improved after the break and Hamza Igamane pulled one back before substitute Hagi struck in the fifth minute of stoppage time to ensure Celtic – 15 points clear with five to play – will have to wait a while longer to be confirmed as champions.
Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin sent out the same XI that started the victory at Ross County the previous weekend, while Ferguson opted to preserve several of his key men for Thursday’s second leg in Spain.
Goalkeeper Liam Kelly and Robin Propper, who was sent off in the first half of the 0-0 draw with the side from the Basque Country, were the only two to retain their starting places, with Connor Barron handed the captain’s armband against his former club and 18-year-old Findlay Curtis given his first start at left wing-back.
The hosts had the first chance of the match in the 18th minute when Topi Keskinen cut in from the left and the ball broke to Shayden Morris, who spun away from Curtis to get himself clear in the box before drilling a low shot agonisingly wide from 10 yards out.
Gers defender Rafael Fernandes picked up an injury in that phase of play and was replaced by James Tavernier, who was handed the captain’s armband by Barron.
The Dons had another golden opportunity in the 29th minute but centre-back Mats Knoester scooped Graeme Shinnie’s cross over the bar from six yards out.
The deadlock was broken in the 31st minute when Clarkson’s superbly-executed free-kick from just outside the box found the top corner, although Kelly, who got a hand to it, could arguably have done better.
A chastening day for the Gers stand-ins got worse in the 40th minute when McCausland, who had been booked just before the Dons’ goal, was shown his second yellow card after bringing down Keskinen on the left.
Aberdeen, who had been getting stronger as the half wore on, doubled their lead in the 44th minute when Morris skinned Curtis on the right and cut the ball back for Gueye to fire home from eight yards out.
The visitors thought they had pulled one back in first-half stoppage time when Igamane fired home but the ball was deemed to have gone out of play before Curtis crossed.
Ferguson tried to spark an improvement by sending on Mohamed Diomande and Jefte in place of Danilo and Oscar Cortes for the start of the second half, and his side got themselves back into it within four minutes of the restart.
Kelly’s long kick was headed on by Curtis and Igamane wriggled away from Alexander Jensen before drilling home a low finish from just inside the box.
Just as Aberdeen – who had a Kevin Nisbet goal ruled out for handball – looked set to close out a vital three points in their quest for third place, Hagi silenced Pittodrie when he curled home with virtually the last kick of the game, seconds after fellow substitute Cyriel Dessers had struck the post.
Chelsea Open to Loaning Out Raheem Sterling Again After Arsenal StrugglesChelsea are reportedly prepared to send Raheem Sterling out on loan once more with permanent transfer options dwindling, following the winger’s underwhelming stint at Arsenal.According to The Telegraph, Chelsea are increasingly willing to let the 30-year-old leave on loan again following his disappointing spell at Arsen...
DONE DEAL: Bournemouth Confirm Signing of Ben Doak From LiverpoolBournemouth have officially confirmed the signing of highly rated winger Ben Doak from Liverpool.The 19-year-old has left his boyhood club to join Bournemouth for a reported fee of 325 million, signing a five-year deal.Doak impressed during his loan spell with Championship side Middlesbrough last season, scoring three goals and provi...
Brentford RAISE Asking Price for Newcastle United Target Yoane WissaBrentford have reportedly raised their asking price for Yoane Wissa with Newcastle United interested in signing the striker this summer.Newcastle are understood to be interested in signing the 28-year-old as speculation surrounds the future of Alexander Isak.According to The Standard, Brentford have made a potential deal harder by...
Chelsea Transfer Issues Stall Alejandro Garnacho Signing Amid Nkunku Exit DelaysChelsea’s pursuit of Alejandro Garnacho is reportedly being held up due to the club not yet finding a permanent home for Christopher Nkunku.According to The Sun, Chelsea’s ‘steep’ asking price for the 27-year-old is stopping them from making more signings this summer.It’s understood that E...
Crystal Palace Eye Shock Move for Wolves Star as Tottenham Close in Eberechi EzeCrystal Palace are reportedly exploring a surprise move for Wolves player Hwang Hee-chan as Tottenham edge closer to securing Eberechi Eze.According to Sky Sport CH, Tottenham are expected to have their 360 million bid for the 27-year-old accepted by Crystal Palace.Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Eze fe...
Inter Milan Plot Shock Move for Man United Goalkeeper Andre Onana After Amorim SnubInter Milan are reportedly considering a surprise move to bring Andre Onana back from Man United after Ruben Amorim left him out of their squad vs Arsenal.According to The Sun, the Italian giants are keeping tabs on the 29-year-old as speculation grows surrounding his future at Old Trafford.Onana joined Man United f...
RB Leipzig Send Chelsea Transfer Warning as Xavi Simons Deal StallsChelsea’s pursuit of Xavi Simons faces uncertainty as RB Leipzig tell them he will only leave if it 'makes sporting and financial sense.'The 22-year-old is understood to have already agreed personal terms with Chelsea, turning down reported interest from Bayern Munich and Man City.Chelsea are yet to agree a fee with RB Leipzi...
Galatasaray Approach Man City Over Potential Deal for Manuel Akanji as Guardiola Demands SalesGalatasaray have reportedly approached Man City regarding a potential move for defender Manuel Akanji with Pep Guardiola looking to sell several players before the end of the transfer window.Speaking after Man City’s 4-0 win over Wolves in their first Premier League game of the season, Guardiola des...
Reason Man United Don't Want to Sell Rasmus Hojlund to Fulham RevealedMan United are reportedly hesitant to sell striker Rasmus Hojlund to Premier League rivals Fulham despite the London club's interest in the player.Hojlund, 22, has been told he can leave the club following the arrival of 374 million man Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig earlier in the summer.The Denmark international has struggled ...
A transfer for Alejandro Garnacho would be a big boost help Manchester United's compliance with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules. Thomas Tang/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty ImagesManchester United will hold firm on their valuation of Chelsea target Alejandro Garnacho, while Tottenham Hotspur have made direct contact with Crystal Palace over Eberechi Eze. Join us for the latest tran...
- 1 Brentford Agree Deal to Sign Dango Ouattara From Bournemouth
- 2 TIPS - Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas VS Liga Deportiva Universitaria
- 3 TIPS - Villarreal VS Real Oviedo
- 4 ngland cricket legend’s granddaughter stuns in bikini
- 5 Lamela explains retirement decision: It started 11 years ago...
- 6 Estevao Willian set for 'key' Chelsea role after debut vs Palace
- 7 TIPS - Club Necaxa VS Club Leon
- 8 Emotional Arne Slot admits he had wanted to bring late Diogo Jota on as a substitute in Liverpool's dramatic victory over Bournemouth
- 9 Benjamin Sesko vs Viktor Gyokeres: Man Utd-Arsenal showdown sets early stage for big-money No.9s to show the Premier League what they can offer
- 10 TIPS - Cambuur Leeuwarden VS FC Oss