Derek McInnes continues to chase his inaugural triumph as the manager of Rangers after Hibernian snatched a dramatic 2-1 win at Ibrox with a goal in injury time. The match began with Rangers appearing unsettled, allowing the Edinburgh side to take the lead early on. Josh Campbell converted a penalty in the 12th minute, a decision that came after VAR intervened to award a spot‑kick following a foul by Vanja Dragojević on Jason Kerr.
The early goal set the tone for a tense encounter, with Rangers struggling to find rhythm while Hibs defended resolutely. Rangers dominated possession and generated a staggering 25 shots throughout the game, yet they were unable to break the deadlock until the closing stages. Their persistence paid off in the 85th minute when a low cross from Djeidi Gassama was inadvertently turned into his own net by Hibernian defender Miguel Chaiwa, leveling the score at 1-1. The equaliser seemed to revive Rangers' hopes, but the drama was far from over.
In the final moments, Hibernian earned a corner that proved decisive. Callum Wright struck the ball, and after a deflection it found the far corner of the net, sealing a 2-1 victory for the visitors. The late winner underscored a miserable debut for McInnes at Ibrox, a match further marred by the injury to Rangers' promising striker Youssef Chermiti.
Chermiti, who had recently been the subject of a failed £22 million bid from Galatasaray—a club‑record offer for Rangers—was forced off on a stretcher after a heavy collision with the advertising boards. The result leaves Rangers trailing the league leaders Celtic and St Mirren, both of whom sit on six points after two Premiership fixtures. Rangers now sit five points behind, intensifying the pressure on McInnes, who is still seeking his first win after three games in the hot seat at Ibrox. Key moments of the match were captured in a detailed timeline.
At the 12th minute, VAR intervened to review a challenge between Dragojević and Kerr, resulting in the penalty that Campbell calmly slotted. Later, at the 25th minute, Chermiti appeared to have equalised, only for Miguel Chaiwa to clear the ball off the line with a superb defensive effort.
The 37th minute saw Chermiti suffer a severe tumble into the advertising boards, ending his participation and raising concerns about his fitness for the season. Lawrence Shankland's effort at the 62nd minute struck the crossbar after a deflection by goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger.
The 83rd minute brought the own‑goal that restored parity, and in stoppage time, Wright's deflected strike found the bottom corner, sealing the win for Hibs. After the final whistle, McInnes addressed Premier Sports, acknowledging the team's shortcomings.
He admitted that Rangers had missed several chances in the first half and failed to play with sufficient forward intent. McInnes expressed frustration with the VAR decision, describing the penalty as "soft" and questioning the referee's reliance on the monitor. He praised his players for their effort, noting that the equaliser was deserved and that the squad had shown resilience despite the setbacks.
He also highlighted the ongoing fitness challenges, emphasizing the need to bring the squad back to optimal condition while managing player workloads. McInnes recognised the fans' disappointment, sharing their frustration and urging patience as the team works to improve.
Hibernian head coach David Gray reflected on his side's performance, noting the intense pressure Rangers applied in the second half and how his team’s character was tested. Gray praised the tactical substitution that injected fresh energy and maintained an attacking mindset despite the opposition's dominance.
He lauded the collective effort of his players, stating that the performance was a testament to the squad’s depth and resolve. Gray also highlighted the adaptability of midfielder Josh Mulligan, suggesting the game suited his style of play. He acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead, emphasizing unity and the belief that the club is in a strong position to build on this victory. The match also featured a number of ancillary promotions, including reminders to use Chrome for a more accessible video player, invitations to watch Scottish Premiership highlights on mobile devices, and a call to enter the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £250,000.
These elements, while peripheral to the on‑field action, illustrate the broader commercial and fan‑engagement strategies surrounding Scottish football. In summary, the encounter at Ibrox was a roller‑coaster of emotions, marked by early controversy, a hard‑fought comeback, and a last‑minute strike that tipped the balance in Hibernian's favour. Rangers must now regroup, address the fitness and tactical issues highlighted by McInnes, and find a way to close the gap on the league leaders. Meanwhile, Hibs can take confidence from a gritty victory that showcased their resilience and depth, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the season.