Rangers won their first match in over a month defeating Hibernian 2-0 at Ibrox to advance to the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals despite protests before and during he match against the continued employment of head coach Russell Martin and CEO Patrick Stewart.
Despite an early scare as Martin Boyle’s opener was ruled out by VAR for a handball, Rangers recovered with two goals late in the first half from the returning Nicolas Raskin and a first Gers strike for Bojan Miovski sent Rangers through and gave Martin his first win over Premiership opposition this season.
A much needed victory, but one that must be the start of a sustained run of wins, here are our key takeaways from the clash.
Raskin returns and shows Martin what he was missing
Nicolas Raskin made a strong statement on his return to the Rangers XI. After a well-documented dispute with Russell Martin, the Belgian midfielder was eager to prove his worth.
He scored the opener with a perfectly timed near-post header from James Tavernier’s delivery and was consistently lively throughout the match. His energy, aggression, and willingness to drive play forward added a dimension that Rangers had often lacked in recent weeks.
Beyond the goal, his tenacity in midfield disrupted Hibernian’s rhythm and provided a spark for his teammates, underlining just how important he could be for Martin moving forward and why he should be a key cog in the starting XI.
Russell Martin gets a win, but questions remain
Russell Martin can take some relief from the 2-0 win, yet it doesn’t erase the doubts that have been building around his tenure.
The team was solid but far from convincing, often playing in front of Hibernian rather than breaking through them. Key moments required individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play, and VAR decisions alongside unconverted chances highlighted areas where the team still struggles.
While a victory stops the immediate pressure from boiling over, supporters’ patience remains thin, and Martin will know that one positive result is far from a fix.
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Andrew Cavanagh witnesses protests in person
The tension surrounding Rangers’ hierarchy was impossible to ignore. Rangers chairman Andrew Cavanagh was on hand to witness firsthand the protests outside Ibrox, with banners, chants, and even tennis balls thrown onto the pitch.
The infamous “ghostbuster” posters targeting Martin and Patrick Stewart were a stark reminder of the scrutiny and opposition the management faces. While the majority shareholder could proclaim ignorance of the protests outside the stadium, he could not have missed the delay during the match as balls layered the pitch in a second form of protest with a banner reading ‘delaying the inevitable. Martin must go.’
Although Rangers performed reasonably on the pitch, the atmosphere off it demonstrated that any win will be weighed against the ongoing unrest and growing impatience among a vocal section of supporters.
Djeidi Gassama is Rangers’ biggest threat
On the pitch, Djeidi Gassama stood out as the player most capable of turning a game in Rangers’ favour. The winger’s dribbles and pace caused Hibernian real problems, and his efforts almost led to goals, including a shot that rattled the bar and another chance cleared off the line.
Gassama’s ability to take on defenders, create space, and deliver dangerous balls into the box highlights him as a key attacking outlet and someone Martin will look to lean on in upcoming fixtures.
Bojan Miovski gets off the mark
Bojan Miovski scored his first goal for Rangers, capitalising on a rebound from Moore’s parried effort. It was a confident finish that highlighted his presence in the box and willingness to follow up on chances.
While the former Aberdeen still has room to grow within the team and re-adapt to the Scottish game within Martin’s unconvincing style, opening his account is an important step for his confidence and the team’s attacking options.
His movement and link-up play also gave Rangers a focal point in attack. Miovski is a proven SPFL goal scorer and he showed his natural striking instinct today, provide him chances and he will score.
One win does not fix the issues, but it could be the start
The victory provides a much-needed boost and avoids a further crisis at Ibrox, but it doesn’t solve the underlying issues that have dogged the team this season.
Questions over tactical clarity, consistency, and squad depth remain. However, the match also offered glimpses of what this Rangers side can achieve when key players perform together.
While it’s just one result, it could serve as a foundation for improved performances in the Europa League and domestic competitions if Martin can build on it.