Ryan Naderi broke stubborn Aberdeen resistance with a dramatic late goal to secure a 1-0 victory at Barclays Hampden and propel Rangers into the Premier Sports Cup final. The decisive strike arrived in the 83rd minute when the German forward slotted home from close range, extending the Ibrox side's unbeaten run to 11 matches.
What Happened
Derek McInnes's side dominated possession during a scrappy semi-final encounter in front of 43,567 spectators at the national stadium, yet struggled to break down a heavily depleted Aberdeen outfit. Stephen Robinson's men adopted a disciplined defensive shape that stifled the Ibrox attack for long periods, restricting their opponents to just a single shot on target before the interval. However, sustained pressure after the break eventually yielded results when James Penrice miscued a shot across the box, allowing Naderi to steer home his eighth goal of the season.
The Facts Confirmed
Aberdeen entered the fixture severely depleted, missing four central defenders due to injuries and suspension alongside full-back Chris Cadden. Their defensive crisis deepened after just 13 minutes when Emmanuel Gyamfi suffered a knee injury while tracking back, forcing an early tactical reshuffle that saw Stuart Armstrong enter from the bench. Despite operating with a makeshift backline, the Pittodrie side absorbed wave after wave of attacks until Naderi's late breakthrough settled the tie.
Impact on the Team or Competition
The hard-fought victory books Rangers a place in the December 13 showpiece at Hampden, where they will face either Hearts or Hibernian in pursuit of their first piece of silverware under McInnes. For Aberdeen, the narrow defeat compounds a difficult run of form that has seen them lose four of their last five matches, leaving manager Robinson under mounting pressure as domestic fixtures resume.
How the Club or Athlete Responded
Our play was too ponderous in the first half, we needed to move quicker across the grass. It's embarrassing that we had 25 shots and only five on target. Thankfully Ryan [Naderi] scores a scruffy goal, he anticipates a shot going across the goal and thankfully he managed to get the goal that matters for us.
Aberdeen counterpart Stephen Robinson expressed pride in his side's defensive organization and work ethic despite the outcome.
I think we did more than hang in there. We said that's the level of performance, the energy and work ethic to push us forward. It can't just be for a semi-final.
What Happens Next
Rangers advance directly to the December 13 cup final at Hampden Park, while Aberdeen must quickly regroup for league action on Saturday as they host Hibernian at Pittodrie in search of vital breathing space before the upcoming international break.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Rangers vs Aberdeen League Cup semi-final take place?
The match was played on Saturday, October 31, 2026, kicking off at 5.30pm GMT at Barclays Hampden Park.
What was the final score of the match?
Rangers won 1-0 thanks to an 83rd-minute goal scored by striker Ryan Naderi.
Who will Rangers face in the Premier Sports Cup final?
Rangers will face either Hearts or Hibernian in the final scheduled for December 13, 2026.
How many goals has Ryan Naderi scored this season?
Ryan Naderi's late strike against Aberdeen marked his eighth goal of the campaign across all competitions.
Where can fans in the UK watch match highlights?
Free highlights of the fixture are published on the Premier Sports YouTube channel shortly after full-time.