Aberdeen slipped to defeat on the opening day of the Premiership as Ryan Kent’s first half goal gave Rangers all three points at Pittodrie.
Steven Gerrard’s side were worth their interval lead but despite an improved second half display from the Dons they could not find an equaliser and their hopes of getting something from the game ended with Andy Considine’s red card late in the game.
Jonny Hayes was handed a start on his return to the club while Bruce Anderson led the line in the absence of the injured Sam Cosgrove and Curtis Main for the Dons.
New signings Tommie Hoban and Ryan Edmonson were named among the substitutes for the home side.
For Rangers, new signing Leon Balogun was handed his debut in central defence alongside Connor Goldson.
The Light Blues made all the early running as the Dons struggled to impose themselves and the visitors’ early pressure paid off as they opened the scoring in the 21st minute.
Alfredo Morelos was the creator, dropping short to collect the ball before sending Ryan Kent through on goal and the former Liverpool man raced through before firing past Joe Lewis.
Ianis Hagi forced Lewis into a save with a low effort as Rangers looked for a second goal while the Dons’ only chance came from a deflected Funso Ojo effort which was comfortably held by Allan McGregor.
Aberdeen proved far more adept at restricting the space Rangers had to operate in the second half but as an attacking force they struggled to carry a threat.
A goalmouth scramble from a corner was the best the Dons mustered, prompting McInnes to send on new signing Edmondson, Niall McGinn, Dean Campbell and Ryan Hedges.
Aberdeen upped the tempo in the final 10 minutes but their hopes of getting something from the game were ended when Andy Considine was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Scott Arfield.
