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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Matthew Fulton

Rangers player ratings vs Aberdeen as Michael Beale suffers pre-Celtic defeat in Pittodrie misfire

Rangers go in to next weekend's Scottish Cup semi-final with Celtic off the back of a numbing 2-0 defeat to Aberdeen.

It was a frantic start with both sides trying to calm the game down with possession. Alfredo Morelos went closest in the opening stages when his volley on the turn was cleared off the line before Fashion Sakala set himself free with a run at goal but could only fire straight at the Dons keeper. Rangers threatened more and more as the half wore on but Aberdeen did carry a threat.

The second half brought more back and forth before on-loan Celtic man Liam Scales produced a worldy of a goal to open the scoring, with the ball sailing over Allan McGregor and in to the top corner from 30 yards or more. It went from bad to worse for Michael Beale's side when Bojan Miovski fired a diving header at the back post that was proved to be onside as Aberdeen moved in to top gear. James Tavernier had a flash chance that was well saved by Kelle Roos before Rabbi Matondo skewered his shot wide.

READ MORE: Michael Beale done 'no favours' by Neil Banfield as Rangers comments earn pundit 'barmy stuff' response

In the end it meant Rangers could not cut the gap on Ange Postecoglou's side ahead of a huge game next weekend.

Allan McGregor - 4

Good save from Ramadani at 0-0. The Scales effort beat him by some distance and was rooted for Miovski's header.

James Tavernier - 5

Not his most commanding outing and his pass opened up the chance for Scales. A big chance but saved by Roos.

Ben Davies - 5

A small slip-up early on. Loose generally in his play. Settled in better in the second but not glowing.

John Souttar - 6

Steady on his feet. Did the routine work at the back.

Borna Barisic - 4

Went close on 25 minutes off the post. Was at fault for the second keeping Miovski onside.

Nicolas Raskin - 5

Didn't look as stable and had a big chance blocked. Livened up a little in the second half. Subbed though on the hour.

John Lundstram - 6

No major issues on the first half but maybe not imposing.

Todd Cantwell - 5

Picking up decent positions around the 18-yard box. Booked. Drifted out the game too much.

Malik Tillman - 6

Won the ball back well but was too flashy at times. He did sweep up but struggled to impact in the final third.

Fashion Sakala - 7

Getting in behind early on. Good chance passed up. His play to connect the attacks was a first-half highlight. But he lost his individual battles in the second.

Alfredo Morelos - 6

Saw his shot cleared off the line. His link-up with Sakala was good. He was culpable for the Scales goal not taking the ball to feet.

Subs:

Rabbi Matondo - 4

Looked to impact straight on. Skewed a big chance wide.

Scott Arfield - 3

On late and no heroics this time.

READ NEXT:

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- Todd Cantwell 'really gets it' as Rangers energy levels raised by Ibrox star says club coach

- Michael Beale Rangers 'push for it' Champions League plan as new faces expected for pre-season start

- Michael Beale in Rangers 'variety and depth' admission as transfer face-to-face talks underway

- Ryan Kent Rangers future latest as Burnley 'make their move' to sign Ibrox star on free transfer

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