Rangers drew 2-2 with Dundee at Dens Park on Saturday 17 October, a result that keeps them trailing Celtic by a point in the Scottish Premiership and leaves them second in the Premiership on 20 points after nine games. Badredine Bouanani and Nicolas Raskin found the net for the visiting side, while Bradley Fink and Callum Jones scored for a resilient Dundee team.
Dundee opened the scoring somewhat against the flow of the game. A delivery from the right side was not dealt with, allowing Bradley Fink to react fastest and tap the ball in from near the goal. Rangers equalized before halftime. Badredine Bouanani scored his first goal for the club, converting the loose ball after his first attempt was stopped. "His first goal for the club," the forward remarked later.
The visitors went in front as the second half progressed. Nicolas Raskin put Rangers ahead with an excellent long-range right-footed shot that struck the crossbar on its way past the goalkeeper. Their advantage was short-lived, however. Callum Jones won the ball on the edge of the area and drove a low finish beyond Ivor Pandur to level the score again.
Rangers sought a late winner, with James Penrice lifting a shot over from a promising spot, but they had to accept a single point. This outcome extends their current undefeated streak to five games, comprising four victories and this draw, a run that includes a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock and a 1-0 victory at Celtic. Manager Derek McInnes voiced his disappointment post-match, saying his side should not have to score three times to secure a win and pointing to mistakes that proved costly. Dundee manager Steven Pressley commended his players for their bravery in challenging for loose balls and their determination to fight back on two occasions.
The draw means Rangers remain in second place, having taken 20 points from nine games with a record of six wins, two draws and one loss. Their leading scorer this campaign, R. Naderi with four goals in eight appearances, was effectively marked by a well-organized Dundee defense. Rangers now focus on their upcoming fixture, an important home game against fifth-placed St Johnstone at Ibrox next Saturday 24 October. The team will look to get back to winning in front of their supporters to keep close to Celtic at the summit, having scored 13 goals and conceded seven so far this season.
Speaking on October 19, goalkeeper Ivor Pandur expressed frustration at the 2-2 draw with Dundee. "It was really frustrating," Pandur said. He warned his teammates they must act like a title-winning team to achieve their aims. Rangers, second in the Premiership with 20 points from nine games, are four points behind leaders Celtic. Pandur stated the squad must cut out errors to stop dropping points.
Rangers have arranged a behind-closed-doors bounce game against Dundee for October 20, the club confirmed. Manager Derek McInnes scheduled the surprise match to build sharpness. The fixture is designed to give game time to fringe players and senior stars who were on the bench during the 2-2 draw. Forward Bojan Miovski, defender Ben Godfrey and midfielder Vanja Dragojevic are likely to feature, the club stated. Rangers, second in the Premiership with 20 points, face St Johnstone next.
