Aberdeen slipped to defeat to Rangers for the third time this season as they lost 2-0 at Ibrox.
Alfredo Morelos and James Tavernier got the goals for the Gers while Dons goalkeeper Joe Lewis suffered an injury in conceding the penalty for Tavernier’s goal 15 minutes from time.
Scott McKenna returned to the Aberdeen starting 11 for the trip to Ibrox. The central defender missed Saturday’s 4-1 Scottish Cup win against St Mirren at Pittodrie due to suspension but was restored to the Dons backline alongside Anthony O’Connor with Mark Reynolds dropping to the bench.
Rangers, in their first match of 2018, handed debuts to Jamie Murphy, Russell Martin and Sean Goss.
The home side were quick out the traps against the Dons and they came close to making an early breakthrough thanks to Josh Windass but the midfielder’s low drive from the edge of the box was deflected on to the post before visiting goalkeeper Joe Lewis smothered the loose ball.
Aberdeen stood firm, however, before creating their first chance thanks to a fine run from Kenny McLean which ended with the midfielder sending Gary Mackay-Steven clear in the box but Wes Foderingham saved his effort.
The missed chance was punished in the 32nd minute as the home side opened the scoring.
Morelos got the goal with a back post header but it was the quality of James Tavernier’s cross which undid the Dons.
Morelos missed an open goal and was denied by a tremendous Joe Lewis save as the home side pushed for a second goal but the Aberdeen goalkeeper’s night ended in injury as he was stretchered off with 15 minutes remaining after suffering an injury while conceding a penalty.
Lewis required treatment for a full five minutes before being carried off and his replacement Danny Rogers was unable to prevent his side from going 2-0 as James Tavernier netted the penalty.