In a thrilling international club friendly on 7 July 2026, Ross County produced a stunning attacking display to beat Aberdeen 6-3 away from home. The high-scoring affair, played at Pittodrie, delighted neutrals but exposed defensive weaknesses that both managers will aim to address before the start of the season.

Match Overview

From the first whistle, the game was open and end-to-end. Ross County raced into a 3-0 lead within the opening half-hour, only for Aberdeen to fight back to 3-3 before half-time. However, the visitors regained control after the break, scoring three more to seal a memorable win.

Goal Timeline

• 8th min: Ross County’s striker opened the scoring with a clinical finish after a defensive mix-up.
• 19th min: A swift counter-attack doubled the lead – the winger’s cross was turned in at the far post.
• 27th min: 3-0 – a powerful drive from outside the box left the Aberdeen goalkeeper helpless.
• 35th min: Aberdeen pulled one back through a header from a corner.
• 40th min: 3-2 – a deflected shot found the net via a cruel bounce.
• 45+1 min: 3-3 – Aberdeen’s forward slotted home after a through ball split the defence.
• 58th min: Ross County restored the lead with a close-range finish after a corner.
• 71st min: 5-3 – a solo run from the midfield star ended with a low shot into the bottom corner.
• 88th min: 6-3 – a tap-in from a cut-back sealed the emphatic win.

Tactical Story

Ross County’s high-pressing game caused Aberdeen’s defence constant problems early on. Aberdeen’s response, switching to a more direct approach, paid off temporarily but left them exposed at the back. The second half saw Ross County drop into a more compact shape and hit on the counter, exploiting the spaces left by a tiring Aberdeen side.

Standout Players

Ross County’s attacking midfielder was the orchestrator, with two goals and one assist. Their striker also scored a brace with relentless movement. For Aberdeen, the centre-forward who netted twice showed sharp finishing, but the defence lacked organisation – particularly on set pieces.

Friendly Implications

Pre-season friendlies are rarely a perfect indicator of season form, but the scoreline will worry Aberdeen’s coaching staff. Ross County, meanwhile, will take huge confidence from the performance as they build towards the new Scottish Premiership campaign. Both teams face further test matches in the coming weeks to fine-tune their systems.