Danny Rohl’s Rangers passed a monumental title test at a windswept Pittodrie, sweeping Aberdeen away 2-0 to reclaim second spot in the Scottish Premiership.
Despite an Amber weather warning and the relentless force of Storm Goretti, goals from Thelo Aasgaard and a James Tavernier penalty ensured the Light Blues recorded their second victory over the Dons in just six days. The result moves Rangers three points clear of Celtic and three points behind leaders Hearts, though both rivals hold a game in hand.
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1. The “Fry Factor”: Set-Piece Supremacy
For the second time in a week, Rangers’ success was born on the training ground. Set-piece coach Scott Fry, a recent arrival from Lincoln City, is already proving to be a masterstroke signing by Rohl. The opener in the 23rd minute came from a sophisticated short-corner routine; Jayden Meghoma played it to Tavernier, whose cross was expertly volleyed home by Aasgaard.
Rangers have now scored nine goals from dead-ball situations since Fry joined the staff, transforming a previous weakness into a lethal weapon.
2. Bojan Miovski’s “Morals” and a Bitter Return
The Pittodrie faithful made their feelings crystal clear regarding Bojan Miovski’s return. A banner in the Red Shed quoted Eoin Jess: “No player should come back to Pittodrie in a Rangers shirt, I have my morals.”
The Macedonian striker, who joined Rangers from Girona following a club-record sale by Aberdeen, was subjected to relentless “pelters” from the moment he stepped out to warm up. The vitriol was so intense that the Rangers substitutes were forced to retreat to the dugout early. Miovski eventually made a late cameo, greeted by a cacophony of boos from the fans who once adored him.
3. VAR Controversy: Fernandez Denied
Rangers thought they had doubled their lead before the half-hour mark when Emmanuel Fernandez headed past a struggling Dimitar Mitov. Referee David Dickinson initially gave the goal, but a lengthy VAR review by John Beaton suggested Fernandez had placed an arm across the Bulgarian keeper.
While former referees have labelled the call “soft,” the decision stood, sparing Mitov from another high-profile blunder. However, the Aberdeen No. 1 remains under heavy scrutiny after a string of susceptible performances at crosses.
4. Tavernier: The Coolest Man in the Storm
As Aberdeen pushed for an equaliser in the second half, Djeidi Gassama proved the difference-maker. The winger’s quick feet drew a foul from Dons skipper Graeme Shinnie inside the box, leaving Dickinson with no choice but to point to the spot.
James Tavernier stepped up and, despite the swirling 40mph gusts, buried his 89th Premiership goal low to Mitov’s right. It was the goal that broke Aberdeen’s spirit and sent the home fans toward the exits early.
5. Managerial Limbo at Pittodrie
While Danny Rohl’s stock continues to soar, Aberdeen remain in a state of flux. Interim boss Peter Leven continues to hold the fort following Jimmy Thelin’s sacking on January 4th. The club is expected to ramp up its search for a permanent successor next week, with Sporting Director Lutz Pfannenstiel leading the process. For now, the Dons must reset ahead of their Scottish Cup defence against Raith Rovers.
FAQ: Aberdeen vs Rangers (Jan 11, 2026)
What was the final score between Aberdeen and Rangers? Rangers won 2-0 at Pittodrie, with goals from Thelo Aasgaard and James Tavernier.
Why was the weather a factor in the Aberdeen vs Rangers match? Storm Goretti brought Amber weather warnings and gusts of up to 40mph to the North-east, leading to calls from some fans for the game to be postponed.
How many goals has James Tavernier scored in the Premiership? Following his penalty against Aberdeen, Tavernier has now scored 89 Scottish Premiership goals, moving closer to Leigh Griffiths’ record of 92 since the 2013 rebrand.
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
