Derek McInnes continues to chase his inaugural triumph as the manager of Rangers after a dramatic 2-1 defeat at Ibrox, where Hibernian clinched the win with a stoppage‑time strike. The match began with a palpable sense of tension on both sides, and it was Hibs who struck first, converting a penalty in the 12th minute. The spot‑kick was awarded after VAR intervened to rule that Vanja Dragojević had fouled Jason Kerr inside the box, prompting the referee to point to the spot. Josh Campbell stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past the Rangers goalkeeper, giving the Edinburgh side an early lead.
Rangers, despite dominating possession and generating a total of 25 attempts on goal, were unable to find a breakthrough until the final stages of the game. 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 shift the momentum, but the drama was far from over.
In the dying moments of the match, Hibernian earned a corner and produced a swift counter‑attack. Callum Wright unleashed a powerful shot that took a deflection and slipped into the far corner of the Rangers net, sealing a 2-1 victory for the visitors.
The goal came in the third minute of added time, leaving McInnes and his supporters stunned as the final whistle blew. The defeat marked a bleak debut for McInnes at Ibrox. Adding to the disappointment, Rangers’ promising young striker Youssef Chermiti, who had recently been the subject of a reported £22 million bid from Galatasaray—a club‑record offer—was forced off the pitch on a stretcher after a heavy collision with an advertising board. Chermiti’s injury not only deprived Rangers of a key attacking outlet but also highlighted the physical toll of the encounter.
With Celtic and St Mirren both sitting on six points after two league games, Rangers now find themselves five points adrift in the Scottish Premiership table, intensifying the pressure on McInnes, who is still awaiting his first win after three matches in the hot seat at Ibrox. The manager addressed the post‑match interview on Premier Sports, acknowledging the team's shortcomings. He admitted that Rangers had squandered chances in the first half and failed to play with sufficient forward intent.
McInnes also expressed skepticism about the penalty decision, describing it as “soft” and questioning why the referee felt the need to consult the VAR monitor. Despite the loss, McInnes praised his players’ effort, noting that the equaliser was deserved and that the team had moments of effectiveness when the ball reached their forwards. He emphasized the need to address the “little things” that were working against them and to maintain resilience, insisting that the squad was not as poor as public perception suggested. McInnes also spoke about the ongoing fitness work required to bring the squad back to optimal condition, acknowledging the frustration among the fanbase and sharing that sentiment himself.
Hibernian head coach David Gray offered a contrasting perspective, highlighting the resilience and character displayed by his side. Gray noted that Rangers applied intense pressure in the second half, testing Hibs’ resolve, but a tactical substitution helped maintain an attacking mindset rather than simply defending.
He praised the impact of the fresh players, stating that their performance built character and that the match suited the style of midfielder Josh Mulligan. Gray also reflected on the broader challenges faced by the club, acknowledging that adversity is inevitable but emphasizing the importance of unity and collective spirit within the squad.
He expressed optimism about the future, suggesting that the team is in a good place internally and that more progress lies ahead. Key moments of the match were captured in a detailed timeline: - 12’: VAR review of the Dragojević‑Kerr incident leads to a penalty, which Campbell converts. - 25’: Chermiti appears to score, but Hibs defender Megwa makes a crucial clearance off the line.
- 37’: Chermiti suffers a severe tumble into the advertising boards, resulting in a match‑ending injury. - 62’: Lawrence Shankland’s deflected shot rattles the crossbar, saved by goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger. - 83’: Chaiwa’s own‑goal gives Rangers the equaliser.
- 90+3’: Wright’s deflected strike finds the bottom corner, securing the win for Hibs. The match also featured a reminder for fans to use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player, as well as promotional messages encouraging viewers to watch Scottish Premiership highlights on various platforms. Additionally, there were advertisements for a Super 6 lottery offering a chance to win £250,000, emphasizing the commercial side of the broadcast.
Overall, the fixture underscored the fine margins that can dictate outcomes in Scottish football. Rangers’ inability to convert the majority of their 25 shots into goals, coupled with a late defensive lapse, proved costly.
For McInnes, the loss adds urgency to his quest for a first victory, while Hibs can take confidence from their resilience and ability to capitalize on set‑piece opportunities. The upcoming weeks will be crucial for both clubs as they seek to improve their league positions and address the tactical and fitness issues highlighted during this intense encounter.