Aberdeen 2 Rangers 0 post-match press conference - Michael Beale believes Aberdeen defeat is an 'eye opener' for next season.

🗣️ 'Next year that sort of result will be hugely damaging for us. It's an eye opener for one or two players.'

Michael Beale insists that Rangers must learn lessons from Aberdeen defeat going into next season.

In a dramatic twist, on-loan defender Liam Scales scored an incredible opener for Aberdeen, setting them on course for a shock victory against Rangers and giving his parent club Celtic the opportunity to clinch the Scottish Premiership title in their first post-split game.

The left-footed cross from Scales, playing wide on the left, sailed over Allan McGregor and into the net, breaking the deadlock early in the second half. Shortly after, Bojan Miovski headed in a second goal for the hosts, confirmed after a VAR offside check. This win marks interim manager Barry Robson's seventh consecutive victory and provides Aberdeen with a five-point cushion in third place.

In an interview with BBC Scotland, Robson praised his team, stating, "The boys were terrific, they gave us everything we asked." He acknowledged the challenging nature of the game, but the team's persistence and bravery in the second half ultimately paid off.

Despite their valiant efforts, Rangers could not replicate their 3-2 comeback victory at Pittodrie in December. They remain 13 points behind Celtic, who can retain the league title by winning their first game following the Scottish Premiership split in early May.

The first half saw Rangers with ample opportunities to establish a foothold in the match. However, critical saves by Aberdeen goalkeeper Kelle Roos and defensive errors from Rangers allowed Aberdeen to capitalize on their chances. Scales' goal resulted from a loose pass towards Alfredo Morelos, which the on-loan defender intercepted before crossing from a deep position on the left, ultimately finding the net.

Aberdeen's second goal came after Leighton Clarkson's superb cross was headed past McGregor by a diving Miovski. Although VAR was consulted to check for offside, the goal was allowed to stand.

Rangers had their fair share of opportunities, but a lack of decisiveness in the final third and a deflated spirit after conceding two goals rendered them unable to mount a comeback. Meanwhile, Aberdeen's strategy of forcing defensive mistakes and capitalizing on them proved fruitful, earning them a well-deserved victory.

As one of the form teams in the division, Aberdeen's recent performances have been impressive, and they are well-positioned to vie for the coveted third place in the league.

With the Premiership title slipping further from Rangers' grasp, the team's confidence may be shaken ahead of their Scottish Cup semi-final clash with league leaders Celtic next Sunday. On the other hand, Aberdeen and Rangers will begin their Premiership post-split fixtures in the first week of May, with all eyes on the potential outcomes.

In summary, Liam Scales' remarkable opener set the stage for Aberdeen's unexpected win over Rangers, providing a significant boost for his parent club Celtic in their pursuit of the Scottish Premiership title.

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