Rangers beat Aberdeen to lift Scottish League Cup

James Tavernier scored the only goal as Rangers picked up their first trophy of the Philippe Clement era with a 1-0 win over Aberdeen in Sunday's League Cup final.

The prolific skipper rifled in the winner in the 76th minute of a hard-fought encounter at Hampden Park to hand his Belgian boss his first trophy after just two months at Ibrox.

The victory completed a clean sweep of domestic trophy wins for the full-back and it also meant Clement remains unbeaten in 14 games since taking over from Michael Beale in October.

It was the 28th time the Ibrox club have won the trophy – the first since 2011 – and they still have interest in the Premiership title and Europa League this season.

Both sides were below par in the first half.

Rangers winger Ross McCausland had the ball in the Aberdeen net in the 39th minute but referee Don Robertson had blown for an infringement inside the Dons' box.

Aberdeen goalkeeper Kelle Roos made crucial saves in the second half from a Cyriel Dessers strike and free-kicks from Tavernier and left-back Borna Barisic.

Rangers took the lead when Barisic made it to the byline and his deep cross from the left found Tavernier, who took a touch and fired home to send the blue section of Hampden into raptures.

Aberdeen tried to hit back and there were some nervy moments in the Rangers defence, but they held on to win.

"Aberdeen gave us a tough game, but we knew if we remained tight at the back and limited them our chance would come," goalscorer Tavernier told Viaplay.

He said the first trophy under Clement was the "start of something really special for this team".

"This is a great first step," he added. "We've got to keep pushing and building on this momentum."