Derek McInnes continues to chase his inaugural win at the helm of Rangers after a dramatic 2-1 defeat at Ibrox, where Hibernian secured a last‑minute triumph. The match began with a palpable sense of tension for the home side, and it was Hibs who drew first blood. In the 12th minute, a penalty was awarded after VAR intervened to confirm a foul by Vanja Dragojević on Jason Kerr. Josh Campbell stepped up and calmly slotted the spot‑kick, giving the Edinburgh club an early lead and setting the tone for a tightly contested encounter.
Rangers responded with sustained pressure, registering an impressive 25 attempts on goal throughout the game. Their persistence finally paid off in the 85th minute when a low cross from Djeidi Gassama was inadvertently turned into their own net by Hibs defender Miguel Chaiwa, leveling the score at 1-1. The equaliser seemed to revive Rangers' hopes, but the drama was far from over. In injury time, Hibernian earned a corner and capitalised on the ensuing chaos.
Callum Wright struck a powerful shot that deflected before finding the far corner of the net, sealing a 2-1 victory for the visitors. The goal arrived just after the 90+3 minute mark, leaving Rangers with little time to mount a response and confirming a miserable debut for McInnes at Ibrox. The defeat was compounded by a serious injury to Rangers' promising striker Youssef Chermiti.
The forward, who had recently been the subject of a failed £22 million bid from Galatasaray—a club‑record offer—was forced off on a stretcher after a heavy tumble into the advertising boards. His departure not only robbed the team of a key attacking outlet but also underscored the physical toll of a fiercely contested match.
With Celtic and St Mirren both sitting on six points after two Premiership fixtures, Rangers now find themselves five points adrift and under pressure to close the gap. McInnes, who is still seeking his first win after three games in the "Ibrox hot seat," will need to regroup quickly if the club hopes to remain in the title race. Key moments of the match included: - 12': VAR review confirms a penalty after a challenge between Dragojević and Kerr; Campbell converts.
- 25': Chermiti appears to have scored, but Miguel Chaiwa makes a crucial clearance off the line. - 37': Chermiti suffers a severe injury after colliding with the advertising boards, ending his participation.
- 62': Lawrence Shankland's effort deflects onto the crossbar, courtesy of goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger. - 83': Rangers equalise when Chaiwa inadvertently turns the ball into his own net. - 90+3': Wright's deflected strike from a corner finds the bottom corner, delivering the winner for Hibs.
Post‑match, Rangers manager Derek McInnes addressed the media, acknowledging the team's shortcomings. He admitted that the side had squandered chances in the first half and failed to play with sufficient forward intent. "I saw the penalty decision on the monitor and it was very soft; I don't think it should have been given," McInnes said, expressing frustration with the VAR outcome.
He praised his players' effort despite the loss, noting that the equaliser felt deserved and that the team needed to stay resilient. "There are small factors working against us at the moment, but we have to stay strong.
We're not as bad as people think," he added, emphasizing the need to rebuild fitness levels and manage the squad's condition. McInnes also recognised the fans' disappointment, stating, "I understand the frustration. The supporters expect victories, and I share that feeling." Hibernian head coach David Gray reflected on his side's performance, highlighting the character displayed under pressure. He noted that Rangers intensified their attacks in the second half, testing Hibs' resolve.
Gray praised the impact of his attacking substitutions, which helped maintain a proactive mindset even when the opposition pressed heavily. "The game suits Josh Mulligan well," he remarked, while also acknowledging the collective effort of his squad. "It's hard to single anyone out because everyone performed admirably." Gray also spoke about the broader challenges facing Hibs, acknowledging the high expectations and the need for unity.
"We've faced adversity early on, but sticking together as a group is vital. Internally we know we're in a good place, and there's more to come," he concluded.
The match also featured promotional content encouraging viewers to watch Scottish Premiership highlights on various platforms, and a reminder to use Chrome for optimal video playback. Additionally, a promotional offer for a "Super 6" competition was mentioned, promising a chance to win £250,000.
Overall, the fixture delivered a roller‑coaster of emotions: an early penalty, a late equaliser, a dramatic injury, and a heart‑stopping winner in stoppage time. For Rangers, the result deepens the urgency for McInnes to secure his first victory and restore confidence among supporters. For Hibernian, the win showcases resilience and tactical acumen, reinforcing their status as a formidable opponent in the Scottish Premiership.