Ibrox View: Clement’s Signing Likely Made Final Rangers Appearance After Latest Setback
Rangers Fight Back for 2-2 Draw Against Aberdeen Despite Going Down to 10 Men
Aberdeen took the lead in the first half through Leighton Clarkson’s well-placed free-kick, which beat goalkeeper Liam Kelly.
Matters worsened for the visitors when Ross McCausland was shown a second yellow card, reducing Rangers to ten men before the break.
Pape Gueye capitalized on the advantage and added a second goal, putting Aberdeen in control.
It looked like a tough afternoon was on the cards for Barry Ferguson’s side.
However, Rangers mounted a remarkable second-half comeback.
Goals from Hamza Igamane and Ianis Hagi rescued a dramatic draw at the death, earning the visitors a valuable point at Pittodrie.
There was more bad news for Rangers when defender Rafael Fernandes suffered an injury in the first half, forcing him off the pitch and bringing James Tavernier into the game earlier than planned.
Ideally, Ferguson would have preferred to rest Tavernier for the upcoming Europa League quarter-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao.
That tie remains finely balanced at 0-0, following a gutsy defensive effort from Rangers in the first leg, during which Robin Propper was sent off early.
Fernandes’ setback may signal the end of his brief Rangers career.
The severity of his injury is yet to be confirmed, but the Portuguese defender—who joined on loan from Lille during the winter transfer window—has failed to make a positive impact.
Even if he regains fitness before the season’s end, it’s doubtful Ferguson will rely on him again.
The clash with Aberdeen was Fernandes’ first Premiership start and may be remembered for all the wrong reasons, as he lasted just 20 minutes.
His only other start came in the Scottish Cup loss to Queen’s Park on 9 February—a match that eliminated Rangers from domestic cup contention and left the Europa League as their sole hope of silverware.
Given his limited and underwhelming contributions, it appears likely that the draw at Pittodrie was Fernandes’ fourth and final appearance in a Rangers shirt.
