Michael Beale confesses bemused Rangers debut reaction to Aberdeen rivalry with reality check arriving 'straight away'

It didn’t take long for Michael Beale to discover the intensity of the Aberdeen v Rangers rivalry. And after his first taste of it five years ago, he feels it has barely relented ever since.

August 5, 2018, was Steven Gerrard ’s first league game in charge of Gers and Beale was by his side at Pittodrie. The game had everything. A penalty, a red card for Alfredo Morelos – and a last-gasp equaliser from Bruce Anderson to deny the Ibrox men victory. Beale hasn’t forgotten his Scottish football baptism of fire and admits that it gave him a snapshot of what to expect in our top flight.

As he prepared for the Premiership clash with the Dons, the Rangers gaffer said: “I remember that game well. We took centre, then there was a long ball, a volley and a header. If you watch it back, I think the next six things were in the air after that initial ball from kick-off.

“I was thinking: ‘What’s going on here?’ But it gave me an idea of the rivalry with Aberdeen straight away. And ever since it hasn’t let itself down.

“I know what’s around this fixture and rivalries are important. Aberdeen look more united now under Barry Robson. The squad seem happy again.”

Beale’s last visit to the Granite City in December was just as enthralling. After going a goal up, Rangers found themselves 2-1 down in injury time before Scott Arfield’s dramatic late brace won it.

The never-say-die attitude his players showed didn’t surprise their manager. He said: “It’s crazy, isn’t it? A team that six months before had beaten Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig to reach a Europa League Final was accused of lacking heart.

“Before that Aberdeen game, people were saying the team doesn’t have this or that. So it’s crazy the way the game can change overnight.

“Sin