It was to be a frustrating 90 minutes for the Light Blues who dominated so much of this game but could not find the net.
Nacho Novo’s midweek strike earned him a starting place as Walter Smith made five changes to the side that beat Queen of the South.
The club’s No. 10 was joined in the starting line-up by Allan McGregor, Steven Smith, Kenny Miller and Lee McCulloch who all missed out on a starting berth at Palmerston Park.
Dropping out were the injured Sasa Papac and the suspended Pedro Mendes along with Neil Alexander, Steven Davis and Kris Boyd.
Novo partnered Miller up front with Steven Naismith switching to the wide right role filled by Davis on Wednesday night.
McCulloch took Mendes’ place in the middle of midfield while Smith slotted in for Papac in defence.
Like they did against The Doonhamers Rangers came flying out the traps and went straight for the jugular.
After only 50 seconds Charlie Mulgrew hauled Naismith to the turf after a great through pass from Miller.
From 20 yards Rothen stepped up but his powerful effort stung the hands of Langfield before the ball was cleared to safety.
In the next attack the Frenchman was found on the left wing but there was no one in the middle to connect with his superb delivery.
Aberdeen were clinging on in the early stages and referee Ian Brines had his first big decision to make when Whittaker darted past Mulgrew on his blind side before falling in the box.
The official had a close look at the incident before letting play continue and there were few complaints from the Gers players.
After a busy start there were concerns on the home bench when Bougherra danced forward before being caught late on the ankle by Peter Pawlett.
Play continued while the Algerian lay in some pain but it was eventually put out by Rothen and the defender rose tentatively back to his feet.
The pressure continued but the Dons were showing why they had recorded four clean sheets in the SPL this season prior to today but poor finishing from the Light Blues was also a contributing factor.
On 12 minutes a clumsy challenge from Ifil on Miller presented Rangers with another free-kick opportunity.
Thomson this time stepped up but his goalbound effort clipped the defensive wall before going out for a corner.
Rothen, who had a lively start, then tested Langfield with a powerful near post shot from 18 yards which Langfield did well to palm away.
At the half-hour mark McGhee’s men had yet to test Allan McGregor but the keeper watched closely as an ambitious effort from Gary McDonald went high in to the Copland Road Stand.
With the first 45 minutes coming to an end it was remarkable that Rangers did not have their noses in front.
Rothen had a 25 yard free-kick tipped over but the best chance was still to come.
Miller released Novo but, with only the keeper to beat, his low effort was easily gathered by Langfield who had come off his goal line.
If the Spaniard had put any height on his shot Rangers would have been ahead.
With only seconds remaining the visitors came close to stunning the Ibrox faithful when a raking cross found McDonald in the box but his downward header was brilliantly saved by McGregor.
The second-half again started at a high tempo and on 49 minutes Lee McCulloch received the first yellow card after catching Michael Paton in the face with his shoulder and halting a counter attack in the process.
Unlike the first-half Rangers were sloppy in the opening minutes of the second, allowing Considine to shoot over from a corner while Pawlett found space to win a header but his effort was off target.
The home support were starting to get impatient and the players were equally frustrated, none more so than Steven Naismith who was booked for kicking the ball away after his poor touch gave possession away cheapily.
But with over half an hour still on the clock three points were still up for grabs.
Kris Boyd was introduced to the play on 62 minutes, taking the place of Naismith, and this provided a bit of hope with the home side in need of a cutting edge in front of goal.
The game continued to be played in Aberdeen’s half but with 69 minutes on the clock Rangers were given a scare when a corner from Mulgrew was misjudged by McGregor but, fortunately, the ball hit off a player in red before rolling out for a goal kick.
At the other end Boyd showed his undoubted threat. McCulloch found Steven Whittaker on the right and his drilled cross was glanced inches over by the prolific marksman.
Novo then had his hands on his head when he fired a low shot across goal and the ball clipped Langfield’s back post.
The home side continued to push forward with intent but this was not to be their day and only a point was earned from this frustrating encounter.
A morale-boosting win ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League game against Sevilla was the order of the day.
But Walter Smith must now go back to the drawing board and figure out why his team have lost their winning touch in the SPL.