Rangers have gained a boost in their pursuit of Champions League qualification following Aberdeen’s inability to end a poor run of form in a 1-1 draw against Hearts at Tynecastle.
Earlier in the season, Rangers fans endured taunts as Aberdeen, under the guidance of Swedish manager Jimmy Thelin, enjoyed a blistering start, keeping pace at the top of the Premiership. However, since the last international break, Thelin’s side has faltered, going three league games without a win.
This development will be welcomed by the Ibrox faithful, who have bristled at suggestions of competing with Aberdeen for second place. The Dons’ latest result leaves them seven points ahead of Rangers in third, but with the Gers holding a game in hand, the gap could soon narrow to four points.
Aberdeen now faces a tough midweek clash against Celtic, while Rangers host a challenging Kilmarnock side. If results unfold as expected, Rangers could find themselves within striking distance of second place, a position crucial to their Champions League aspirations.
Aberdeen’s early-season momentum under Thelin has clearly waned, with recent stumbles against St Mirren, Hibs, and Hearts. While the Dons remain poised to secure a European spot, their vulnerabilities have exposed a pathway for Rangers to climb the table.
Rangers cannot afford to miss out on the lucrative £40m Champions League qualification prize, especially with Scotland’s top two clubs set to enter qualifiers next season. The January 15 clash at Ibrox could be pivotal, as there’s a strong possibility Rangers will have overtaken Aberdeen by then.
The race for second place is heating up, and Aberdeen’s toughest tests—including their upcoming visit to Ibrox—may ultimately determine their fate.
