Rangers fans had plenty to celebrate on a crisp January evening at Ibrox Stadium, as over 50,000 supporters witnessed their team climb to second place in the Scottish Premiership with an impressive 2-0 victory over Aberdeen.

The match highlighted Rangers' evolution under manager Danny Röhl, particularly their newly discovered prowess at set-pieces. Manny Fernandez opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a well-placed header from Connor Barron's expertly delivered corner. The goal set the tone for what would be a confident display from the home side, who have now strung together four consecutive victories.

Barron, a former Aberdeen midfielder, was instrumental throughout the match, showcasing the kind of composure and creativity that has made him a fan favorite at Ibrox. His partnership with set-piece coach Scott Fry is clearly paying dividends, as demonstrated when Nico Raskin replicated Fernandez's success before halftime, powering home another header from a Barron corner to double the lead.

Rangers captain James Tavernier also impressed with his leadership and attacking contributions, constantly testing Aberdeen goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov throughout the evening. The team's ability to create opportunities from multiple angles demonstrates the tactical depth Röhl has instilled in his squad.

The victory is particularly significant as it moves Rangers above Celtic for the first time in 500 days, positioning them just three points behind league leaders Hearts. This achievement reflects the team's remarkable progress and growing belief in their ability to compete for silverware this season.

Röhl was full of praise for his players after the match, expressing pride in their commitment and work ethic. He particularly highlighted the contributions of set-piece coach Scott Fry, noting that his expertise has added an important dimension to Rangers' attacking arsenal. The manager's comments about Fry being "a good human" and "a good addition to my coaching team" reflect the positive team culture being cultivated at Ibrox.

For Aberdeen, interim boss Peter Leven found reasons for optimism despite the result. He praised his team's fighting spirit and front-footed approach, noting that they created several clear-cut chances. Striker Kenan Bilalovic came close on multiple occasions, demonstrating the potential within the Aberdeen squad. Leven's focus on belief and high standards suggests better days ahead for the Dons as they work through their transitional period.

The two teams will meet again on Sunday at Pittodrie, offering Aberdeen an immediate opportunity for redemption and Rangers a chance to build further momentum. With the Scottish Premiership race heating up, both clubs have everything to play for in the coming weeks.

Rangers' faithful will take heart from their team's growing consistency and tactical sophistication, while the electric atmosphere at Ibrox demonstrates that optimism is well and truly back in Govan.