Derek McInnes continues his quest for a maiden triumph in the Rangers dugout after Hibernian snatched a dramatic 2-1 win at Ibrox with a goal in stoppage time. The match began with a palpable sense of anxiety on the Rangers side, and Hibs took the initiative early on. 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 side a deserved lead. Rangers, despite dominating possession and firing off an impressive 25 attempts, struggled to break through Hibs' disciplined defence. Their persistence finally paid off in the 85th minute when a low cross from Djeidi Gassama was inadvertently turned into the net by Hibernian defender Miguel Chaiwa, resulting in an own‑goal that levelled the score at 1-1.
The drama was far from over, however. In the dying moments of the game, Hibs earned a corner and Callum Wright managed to deflect the ensuing shot into the far corner, sealing a 2-1 victory for the visitors. The result marked a bleak debut for McInnes at Ibrox, compounded by the unfortunate injury to star striker Youssef Chermiti.
Chermiti, who had recently been the subject of a failed £22 million bid from Galatasaray—a sum that would have set a new club record—was forced off on a stretcher after a heavy collision with the advertising boards. His early exit was a significant blow to the Rangers' attacking options and added to the frustration of a fan base already yearning for a win.
In the wider context of the Scottish Premiership, Celtic and St Mirren sit on six points after two games each, leaving Rangers five points adrift and under pressure to close the gap. McInnes, now in his third match at the helm, is under intense scrutiny as he attempts to reverse the team's fortunes. Key moments of the match were highlighted by the broadcast: at 12 minutes VAR intervened to confirm the penalty, which Campbell converted. At 25 minutes, Chermiti thought he had equalised, only for Miguel Chaiwa to clear the ball off the line with a spectacular effort.
In the 37th minute, Chermiti suffered a nasty tumble into the advertising boards, ending his participation. Lawrence Shankland's effort struck the crossbar in the 62nd minute, and at 83 minutes the own‑goal by Chaiwa gave Rangers a fleeting lead.
Finally, in the 93rd minute, Wright's deflected strike found the bottom corner, delivering the winning goal. After the final whistle, McInnes addressed Premier Sports, acknowledging his side's shortcomings.
He admitted that Rangers had squandered chances in the first half and failed to play with sufficient forward momentum. "I saw the replay and I don’t think it was a penalty," he said, questioning the VAR decision. He praised his players' effort but noted that small details were working against them.
McInnes also spoke about the ongoing fitness work required to bring the squad back to optimal condition and expressed empathy with the supporters' frustration, saying he shares their disappointment and understands the expectations placed on the club. Hibs head coach David Gray offered a contrasting perspective, highlighting his team's resilience under pressure.
He noted that Rangers intensified their attacks in the second half, testing Hibs' character, but his side responded with an attacking substitution that helped maintain a proactive mindset. Gray praised the impact of the fresh players, saying they demonstrated the right attitude and contributed to the team's overall character. He also emphasized the collective nature of the performance, stating that it would be unfair to single out any individual because the entire unit performed admirably.
Gray reflected on the adversity his side has faced early in the season, acknowledging the high demands and expectations, but stressed the importance of unity and the belief that the squad is in a good position to build on this result. The match also featured promotional content encouraging viewers to watch the Scottish Premiership on various platforms, including a suggestion to use Chrome for a more accessible video player, and reminders about free highlights and mobile streaming options. Additionally, there were references to a Super 6 competition offering a chance to win £250,000, with invitations to enter for free.
Overall, the fixture delivered a roller‑coaster of emotions for both sets of supporters. Hibernian celebrated a hard‑won victory that showcased their resolve and tactical adaptability, while Rangers were left to contemplate missed opportunities, a crucial injury, and the mounting pressure on their new manager to deliver results promptly. The outcome serves as a reminder of the fine margins that often decide matches in Scottish football and sets the stage for a compelling continuation of the league campaign.