Ryan Naderi's dramatic late strike secured a 1-0 victory for Rangers over Aberdeen, booking their place in the Premier Sports Cup final. Aberdeen restricted Rangers to a single shot on target in a lackluster first half, but the Ibrox side increased their intensity after the break. In the 83rd minute, Naderi redirected James Penrice's strike into the net, marking his eighth goal of the season and settling the semi-final at Hampden.
Rangers will face either Hearts or Hibernian in the December 13 final, following the Edinburgh sides' Sunday clash at the national stadium. Aberdeen's campaign was hampered by five defenders missing through suspension or injury, forcing a makeshift lineup. Manager Stephen McInnes also dropped midfielder Dan Neil, with left-back Tuur Rommens starting and Penrice moving into midfield.
Badredine Bouanani started in place of Djeidi Gassama. Emmanuel Gyamfi's injury further reshaped the Dons' defense, with Stuart Armstrong introduced. Despite Aberdeen's resilience and numerous goalkeeping saves from Ivor Pandur and Marius Muller, Rangers held firm to advance.
The Govan side entered the game unbeaten in ten matches and were firm favourites.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing