Rangers completed a 2-1 comeback win against Aberdeen in Viaplay Cup semi-final action.
They were so close to opening the scoring early doors through a Fashion Sakala effort but the Zambian's effort came painfully off the post. They were given a reprieve shortly after when Bojan Miovski was deemed offside upon netting for the Dons but lightning would not strike twice as the North Macedonian talisman scored before half-time after an inspired Matty Kennedy run.
It was a perfect half for Pittodrie boss Jim Goodwin but Ryan Jack soon struck a blow against his former club with a deflected leveller after the hour mark. Anthony Stewart clattered into Fashion Sakala in regular time stoppage time and was sent off as another 30 extra minutes beckoned, with Kemar Roofe scoring to book a Glasgow derby for this year's final. Here is how we rated both the Aberdeen and Rangers players at Hampden Park.
Rangers
Allan McGregor: Left exposed at the Aberdeen opener and didn’t have much to do in normal time before coming up with a three huge saves in extra time. 8
James Tavernier: A top outlet going forward as always and the supply was consistently dangerous. Had his work cut out at the other end with Duk giving him grief. 7
Connor Goldson: Realised its was an afternoon for keeping it simple and sticking to the basis and made some crucial interventions when needed. 7
Ben Davies: Rarely looked flustered, even when Aberdeen enjoyed occasional periods of pressure. Used the ball well in the circumstances. 7
Borna Barisic: Started brightly and sent in some dangerous crosses but made a horrible mess of Aberdeen’s opener when he let Matty Kennedy race through as he claimed offside and had an erratic afternoon. 6
Ryan Jack: Got the tools out when it was clear it was going to be a battle on that surface. Tried to support the attack and it paid off as he savoured his goal against his old club. 8
John Lundstram: Dominated the midfield slogfest where his strength was much needed. Passing was a mixed bag but allowed Jack to push on. 7
Malik Tillman: Dictated the play early in and cried open Aberdeen with a couple of terrific balls down the channels. Produced moments of class on the turn but got bogged down and eventually replaced. 6
Ryan Kent: Tried to make things happen and wasn’t afraid to cut in and take the odd pop at goal. Came close a couple of times but it was hard going for the playmaker on the ploughed pitch. 8
Fashion Sakala: Inches away from making the perfect start when his header thumped the post and his unpredictability made him difficult for Dons to pin down. 7
Alfredo Morelos: Played in Ryan Jack for the leveller after a frustrating hour where he passed up a couple of chances he was sticking away for fun in past seasons. 6
Substitutes
Glen Kamara (for Tillman 74): Gave his side a bit of energy and composure on the ball moving in to the final stages of the game. 5
Kemar Roofe (for Morelos 74): Has lost none of his predatory instincts despite the long lay off. Grabbed the winner before injury jink struck again late on. 7
Scott Wright (for Lundstram 90): Produced a moment of brilliance to swing the game as he spun his marker and turned on the jets before picking out Roofe for the winner. 7
Scott Arfield (for Sakala 106): Experience and cool head was needed amid the chaos of extra time. 5
Adam Devine (for Barisic 106): Kid came on and provided some energy in the final stages. 5
Charlie McCann (for Roofe 118): Unexpectedly chucked on for final few minutes. 2
Aberdeen
Kelle Roos: The big keeper was solid and made a string of decent first half saves. Was left helpless by the deflection for the leveller. Helpless with the winner. 7
Ross McCrorie: Put in a powerful performance at right back before he had to go into a more central position after Stewart’s red card. Booked in normal time. 7
Anthony Stewart: The captain has stirred a hornet’s nest before the game. He was solid in his performance before he stupidly got sent off. It was madness. 3
Liam Scales: The defender was impressive at the back. Was so unlucky as his attempted block saw Jack’s shot beat Roos. 7
Hayden Coulson: Had a brilliant last man challenge on Sakala. Also put in a real shift going up the left. Couldn’t have given anymore than he did. 7
Graeme Shinnie: His guile and presence in the middle of the park was a red driving force. Hasn’t played a lot of football and ran out of steam later on. 8
Ylber Ramadani: He was another warrior in the middle of the park. Came back on after a rather hefty head knock but like many of the Dons was running on empty at the end. 7
Duk: Caused Tavernier a lot of problems defensively. He had a few decent runs but the Hampden pitch didn’t help him. Went off injured after the hour. 6
Leighton Clarkson: His eye for a long diagonal was a constant threat. Hit the post before he went off injured but it would have been flagged out for offside. 6
Matty Kennedy: Set up Miovski for his goal. His set-plays and surging runs were a bit out ball for Aberdeen. Left wanting at Roofe’s goal but was running on empty. 6
Bojan Miovski: The North Macedonian international would have been delighted to end his goal drought. Did well and was the main threat before he was replaced at 90 minutes. 7
Substitutes
Jonny Hayes (Duk 63): Tried hard. 2
Connor Barron (Clarkson 74) Was a threat 2.
Christian Ramirez (Miovski 91): Starved of support 1.
Marley Watkins (Shinnie 117): Too late to influence things 1.
