James Tavernier strikes to win Viaplay Cup for Rangers against Aberdeen

Rangers have won the Viaplay Cup with a 1-0 win over Aberdeen at Hampden.

James Tavernier struck the only goal of the game to ensure the Ibrox side won the first trophy of the season and gave manager Philippe Clement silverware just two months into his time at the club.

After a goalless first half, Rangers made the breakthrough with just under 15 minutes left on the clock. Borna Barisic crossed from the left and Tavernier hit a volley from the back post that bounced off the turf and past Aberdeen goalkeeper Kelle Roos.

Aberdeen pushed for a late leveller but Rangers saw off the threat and became League Cup champions for the first time since 2011.

Both sides had arrived at Hampden in confident mood after recording memorable result in Europe in midweek.

Aberdeen had defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 and were boosted by news that talismanic striker Bojan Miovski was fit to start. Rangers, winners of their Europa League group thanks to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Real Betis in Seville, welcomed Todd Cantwell back into the side, with Leon Baolgun and Dujon Sterling also starting.

Though hopes were high, the quality was not as the wet and windy conditions contributed to a disappointing first half. Chances were few and far between, with Abdallah Sima’s shot on the turn that was saved by Roos being the most notable opportunity.

Stefan Gartenmann and Ross McCausland both put headers wide before the break and the sides went in level.

After the break, Rangers created more, and McCausland and Cyriel Dessers both forced Roos into action before the keeper had free-kicks from Tavernier and Barisic to deal with. The full-back combined for the only goal of the game in the 76th minute.

Barisic beat his man to carry the ball to the byline before whipping in a dangerous cross and when it fell to Tavernier, the Rangers captain controlled with one touch and then hit a powerful scissors-kick that kicked up off the turf and into the net.

With little time left to find an equaliser, Aberdeen threw everything they had at Rangers, with Kelle Roos coming up twice for corners in a desperate attempt to find a leveller.

There was goalmouth action when an Aberdeen corner deep into injury time ended up with players from both sides clashing but no goal came and Rangers were crowned Viaplay Cup champions at the end of a dramatic week for Clement and his players.