Rangers 2 - 1 Aberdeen

Rangers only need nine minutes to make the breakthrough against Aberdeen after a very positive start. Andrei Kanchelskis and Albertz had both gone close for Rangers before the opening goal.Jorge Albertz initiated the move ,picking out Giovanni van Bronckhorst in the penalty area. The Dutchman took his time before delivering the precise shot past keeper Jim Leighton and into the corner.

Aberdeen continued to struggle as Rangers, after their goal blitz last week against St Johnstone, aimed to build on their goal tally. Rod Wallace released Albertz and he swept a long ball across the face of the Aberdeen area. Kanchelskis latched onto it but his effort found the side net. Aberdeen keeper Leighton then got a hand to a header from Wallace after another delightful cross from Albertz and none in the Aberdeen ranks were more grateful than the veteran stopper. Aberdeen began to come into game more and needed a tremendous save from keeper Antti Niemi to prevent the equaliser in the 35th minute.

Aberdeen remained dangerous however and Hignett scampered away from Hendry only to see his shot from 20 yards rattle the bar. Aberdeen drew level and stunned the home support with a glorious goal after 56 minutes. Mike Newell threaded the ball through to Jess and the former Scotland midfielder showed remarkable composure to volley the ball over the head of keeper Niemi. Aberdeen almost pulled ahead a minute later but Rangers defender Numan was able to make a timely challenge on Jess just as he was poised to strike. Rangers rallied and Van Bronckhorst sent the shot over the top after Albertz released him. A mazy run from Kanchelskis finished with him beating Dons keeper Leighton to give Rangers the three points.