Lawrence Shankland's clinical penalty conversion proved the difference as Rangers claimed their opening Scottish Premiership victory, edging out Aberdeen 1-0 at Pittodrie in a match decided by both a spot-kick and a VAR intervention.
The Rangers captain stepped up in the 69th minute after Daniel Happe brought down Djeidi Gassama in the penalty area deep into the second half. Shankland showed composure to fire his effort into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Joe Muller with no chance of a save.
Aberdeen mounted a spirited fightback and appeared to have salvaged a point when Kevin Nisbet headed home in the 83rd minute, which would have been his 10th goal of the season. However, a VAR review determined that the striker had used both hands to gain leverage against Dujon Sterling as he rose to meet the ball, and the goal was ruled out.
The match, moved to Sunday 30 August at 12:00 for live broadcast, saw Rangers dominate possession throughout. The visitors recorded 83.5 per cent passing accuracy compared with Aberdeen's 72.89 per cent, though they were made to work hard for their breakthrough.
Rangers had created the game's most clear-cut opportunity before taking the lead. In the 38th minute, Gassama powered forward on a devastating counter-attack, bringing Kim into the move down the right flank. Kim attempted to dink the ball beyond Muller for Shankland to tap in, but Afeez Aremu raced back to clear the effort off the line at the crucial moment.
Aberdeen started brightly and came close early on. In the second minute, a set piece from Ronan found Daniel Happe at the back post, but the defender's attempt to guide the ball in drifted over the bar from close range.
McInnes's relief after difficult week
The victory represented significant relief for Rangers manager Derek McInnes. His first league win as Rangers boss came on his return to Pittodrie, adding extra pressure relief after a difficult start to the season. The Ibrox club had managed just one point from their opening two Scottish Premiership games, and the pressure had been mounting on the new manager.
The week preceding the match had been bruising for Rangers. The club had been knocked out of Europe in a penalty shootout defeat to Jablonec, leaving McInnes desperate for a response at his former club. Despite another testing afternoon, his side delivered the required performance.
Before kick-off, Aberdeen sat ninth in the Scottish Premiership with 3 points and Rangers tenth with 1 point, underlining the importance of this fixture for both sides' campaigns.
Key moments from Pittodrie
Minute 2: Aberdeen created an early opening when a Ronan set piece found Happe at the back post, but the defender's close-range attempt sailed over the bar.
Minute 38: Rangers produced a moment of defensive brilliance. Gassama surged forward on a counter-attack, bringing Kim into the move on the right. Kim's attempted dink for Shankland was intercepted by Aremu, who raced back to clear the ball off the line.
Minute 68: Rangers were awarded a penalty when Happe brought down Gassama in the area. The decision was clear-cut.
Minute 69: Shankland stepped up and fired his penalty into the top corner with precision. Muller had no chance.
Minute 81: Aberdeen appealed for a penalty when Nisbet went down under pressure from Sterling as a ball hurtled towards the back post. The incident was sent to VAR for review.
Minute 83: Nisbet headed in what appeared to be an equaliser following a couple of Pandur saves, but the goal was sent to VAR for examination.
Minute 86: VAR confirmed that Nisbet had used both hands on Sterling to gain leverage as he rose to head the ball. The goal was disallowed, and Rangers held on for the victory.
