GLASGOW (AFP) - Champions Celtic sent a message to Scottish Premier League leaders Rangers by hammering Aberdeen 5-1 at Pittodrie on Sunday.

Rangers opened up a seven-point lead on Gordon Strachan's side after a 2-0 victory over Falkirk on Saturday, but their advantage over their arch-rivals is now back to four points.

Aberdeen's 10th defeat of the season comes in the wake of a Scottish League Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Dundee United, and comes four days before a UEFA Cup meeting with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

The home fans were hoping the Dons would make amends for their recent sins, and give them hope ahead of their European tie on Thursday.

But those hopes came to little in a one-sided first half dominated by the champions.

Celtic went in for the half-time interval 3-0 ahead after goals by Shunsuke Nakamura, Aiden McGeady and Scott McDonald from the penalty spot.

McDonald continued the visitors' rout two minutes after the restart, with Aberdeen finally scoring a consolation goal through Lee Miller on 61 minutes.

Celtic made it five when debutant Barry Robson fired home a free kick in the 72nd minute to hand Celtic their 16th win from 23 games.