Rangers and Aberdeen battled to a 2-2 draw at Pittodrie in Sunday’s Scottish Premiership clash.
With the second leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final against Athletic Bilbao looming on Thursday (17 April), interim boss Barry Ferguson made several changes to the lineup for the April 13 encounter.
Leighton Clarkson opened the scoring for the Dons just after the half-hour mark, and Rangers’ situation worsened when Ross McCausland was sent off in the 40th minute. Pape Habib Gueye quickly capitalised, doubling Aberdeen’s lead minutes later.
Despite the setback, Hamza Igamane pulled one back early in the second half, and Ianis Hagi struck a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time. The result all but seals the Premiership title for Celtic.
Here are three key takeaways from the match:
1. Ferguson must solve Rangers’ defensive issues
Barry Ferguson has earned praise for guiding Rangers to the Europa League quarter-finals and holding Athletic Bilbao to a goalless draw in the first leg despite being a man down.
However, defensive concerns remain glaring under his leadership — the Gers have now conceded two or more goals in seven of his nine games in charge.
If Ferguson hopes to land the manager’s role permanently, tightening up at the back must be a priority.
2. Igamane has to start against Bilbao
Hamza Igamane has struggled to find the net in the latter part of the campaign, with his goal against Aberdeen only his second in the Premiership since February.
Nevertheless, the Moroccan forward has proven he can rise to the occasion, including when he scored the winner against Celtic at Parkhead in March.
After stepping up when his team was two goals down and a man short, Igamane showed the composure and mentality Ferguson will need in Spain on Thursday — he should lead the line in that crucial second leg.
3. McCausland’s Rangers future in serious doubt
This match was a chance for Ross McCausland to stake a claim for more playing time, as it marked his first league start since October.
However, the 21-year-old underwhelmed from the outset, with his poor delivery and overall display drawing criticism — Sky Sports commentator Ian Crocker even called one of his crosses “awful.”
His red card compounded matters, and supporters voiced their frustrations, questioning his suitability for Rangers.
It’s now likely that McCausland won’t feature for Ferguson again — and possibly not for the club at all.
