Rangers return to summit with victory over Hibs
The visitors managed to break the tie thanks to James Tavernier's 22nd goal of the season.
The Rangers went back to the top of the Scottish Premiership after defeating Hibernian at Ibrox Stadium.
The first half of the game was very busy, with James Tavernier and Cyriel Dessers each scoring a goal. The visitors also managed to equalize through Myziane Maolida, but unfortunately they have now fallen out of the top six teams with only two games left before the split.
Earlier in the game, there was a lot of confusion due to VAR when Rangers were given a penalty that was disputed. Tavernier missed the penalty shot but then Scott Wright hit the rebound. However, he was penalized for breaking the rules by encroaching.
During the second period of the game, the Rangers team maintained control and kept things moving along at a steady pace. Later on, their substitute player, Rabbi Matondo, made a beautiful, curling shot to secure the win.
There's a big Old Firm game coming up next weekend and Phillippe Clement's team is currently leading by two points. However, Celtic will have played one more game before they travel to Livingston on Sunday.
A boring event turned into a messy situation after VAR decided that Nectarios Triantis' swinging arm hitting John Souttar was worthy of a penalty kick.
The Hibs team were extremely angry and frustrated. They briefly believed that they had been saved when David Marshall successfully defended his fourth penalty of the season. However, their hopes were dashed when Wright quickly took the rebound and scored by kicking the ball into the far corner of the goal.
The player who played on the side thought he redeemed himself after missing an easy goal earlier, but he became even more irritated when the referee made a very close call and reviewed it extensively, resulting in the score remaining tied.
Just like he does frequently, captain Tavernier dominated the moment by scoring a goal that could not be stopped, enabling Rangers to finally make their way through.
The excitement of the first half did not stop there. Maolida scored the equalizer in Hibs' first real threat, which was unexpected. He has now scored seven goals since he joined the team in January.
With a strong determination to reclaim their advantage before halftime, Todd Cantwell delivered an exceptional pass that allowed Dessers to score a stunning header, leaving the Ibrox crowd thrilled and relieved.
The home team started off strong in the second half, which proved to be a risky situation for Hibs who played competitively for most of the game. Cantwell posed more challenges for Hibs, and Dessers came close to scoring another point, but was stopped by Marshall's impressive save.
The Rangers impressed with their mastery of control and holding back, as they took the lead once more. Matondo's spectacular performance was the perfect finishing touch.
Having a composed and collected demeanor will be extremely important if they want to win in the upcoming important match between the top contenders for the title.
James Tavernier Named Player Of The Match
Analysis: Rangers Maintain Confidence Ahead Of Old Firm Clash
If Rangers failed in this match, it could have caused a huge psychological impact leading up to the clash against their rivals, the Old Firm. The battle for the title is closely contested, and even the slightest mistake could cause major problems for either team.
The team from Ibrox didn't give their best performance, but to be honest, they were never really in danger of losing. Despite the opponent scoring a goal to tie the game, Clement's team still appeared confident and managed to take the lead once again without putting in too much effort.
Following a period where the physio's room was frequently filled, the Rangers sideline appeared to be in better shape. Cantwell performed admirably in his preferred position as the number 10 player, and Abdallah Sima and Dujon Sterling both had opportunities to play as substitutes.
In the second meeting with Rangers, Hibs displayed a level of determination that is not commonly linked with Nick Montgomery's team.
The team has shown notable progress since the arrival of the cavalry during the winter transfer period. Maolida seems to be the standout player, as he demonstrates his strength and cleverness on the field by remaining upright and scoring goals. This has given the fans who have travelled to Ibrox Stadium hope that their team may achieve an uncommon victory.
Dundee's win over St Johnstone has resulted in Hibs losing their place in the top six, at least for now. If they want to avoid ending the season on a low note in the lower half of the table, they need to get back on track as soon as possible.
The focus of the Rangers football club is now on the upcoming Old Firm derby against Celtic, which will take place at their home ground Ibrox on Sunday at 12:00 BST. Meanwhile, Hibs will be hosting St Johnstone on the day before at 15:00.
The game is over, with the score of Rangers 3, Hibernian 1.
The latter part of the game has come to a close with the final score being Rangers 3 and Hibernian 1.
Abdallah Sima of Rangers attempted a right-footed shot from the right side of the box, but unfortunately it missed to the left. Rabbi Matondo assisted him during a fast break.
Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian) receives a cautionary yellow card for a harsh and improper tackle.
On the right side of the field, Tom Lawrence from the Rangers earns a free kick.
Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian) committed a foul.
Ranger's Rabbi Matondo has earned himself a free-kick on the left side of the field.
Nathan Moriah-Welsh from Hibernian has committed a foul.
The hold up is finished. They are prepared to proceed.
The game was put on hold due to an injury sustained by James Tavernier of Rangers.
The football player from Rangers, Dujon Sterling, was given a yellow card by the referee due to committing a foul that was considered unacceptable.
Dylan Levitt, who plays for Hibernian, has been given a yellow card due to committing a foul that was deemed inappropriate.
Dujon Sterling from Rangers made a foul.
Hibernian's Martin Boyle has earned a free kick in their own half of the field.
Hibernian was at the corner and John Souttar allowed a goal.
The ball has been kicked towards the corner spot by Hibernian. John Souttar has allowed the opposition team to score a point.
The referee displayed a yellow card to Mohamed Diomande of Rangers following a harsh tackle.
Mohamed Diomande (Rangers) committed a foul.
Myziane Maolida, a player from Hibernian, has gained possession of the ball in the half of the field used for attacking and has been awarded a free kick.
Score! Rangers have beaten Hibernian 3 to 1. Rabbi Matondo of Rangers made a successful right footed shot from outside the box and directed the ball to the bottom right corner, with an assist from Dujon Sterling.
The standout performer of the game is awarded the title of "Player of the match". This accolade is given to the athlete who has exhibited remarkable skills and contributed significantly to the team's victory. The player who has made the most impact on the game receives this recognition. Being titled as "Player of the match" is a great achievement and shows that the player has given his/her best effort in the game.
On average, 9.08 is the typical amount.
The player who wears the jersey with the number 7 is called Fábio Silva.
Number 19 on the squad is assigned to a player named Le Fondre.
Number 20 on the squad goes by the name of Emiliano Marcondes.
The athlete who goes by the name Jair Tavares has been assigned the squad number 29.