Hibernian failed to break down Rangers' compact defense as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Easter Road. Danilo's fifth-minute opener set the tone for the game, with his second goal of the season giving the away side a foothold in the match.
However, despite Hibs' impressive start, the Gers dominated possession and kept their opponents at bay, posing few genuine threats on goal. Rangers' defense was solid, and their goalkeeper, Jack Butland, made several key saves to deny Hibs scoring opportunities.
In the 87th minute, however, the game took a dramatic turn when Jamie McGrath was awarded a penalty for a handball by Danilo. Butland, who had previously kept out McGrath from the spot at Aberdeen, produced an incredible save to deny the Irish international and secure a crucial win for Rangers.
The clean sheet also marked a rare bright spot for Hibs, who had failed to score in their last 22 games at Easter Road. The shutout brings an end to the Edinburgh side's 16-match unbeaten run at home, while it also secures Rangers' first clean sheet in 25 games – a dismal record stretching back to December.
Despite the defeat, Hibs boss David Gray was disappointed with his team's performance, stating that they had "gifted" the goal away in the first half and failed to create sufficient chances to get back into the game. However, Gray also acknowledged that Rangers were deserving of their win, saying that he didn't think his side had been beaten "off the pitch."
Rangers boss Danny Röhl was more effusive in his praise for his team, describing their performance as a "huge step forward" and praising the fighting spirit shown by his players. The Gers boss also highlighted the importance of winning consecutive games, saying that it would give them momentum going into the weekend's League Cup semi-final against Celtic.
For Rangers, the win was a significant statement of intent ahead of the busy weeks to come. They now take their newly found momentum into the weekend's League Cup semi-final, where they will face off against Celtic in what promises to be an entertaining encounter.
However, despite Hibs' impressive start, the Gers dominated possession and kept their opponents at bay, posing few genuine threats on goal. Rangers' defense was solid, and their goalkeeper, Jack Butland, made several key saves to deny Hibs scoring opportunities.
In the 87th minute, however, the game took a dramatic turn when Jamie McGrath was awarded a penalty for a handball by Danilo. Butland, who had previously kept out McGrath from the spot at Aberdeen, produced an incredible save to deny the Irish international and secure a crucial win for Rangers.
The clean sheet also marked a rare bright spot for Hibs, who had failed to score in their last 22 games at Easter Road. The shutout brings an end to the Edinburgh side's 16-match unbeaten run at home, while it also secures Rangers' first clean sheet in 25 games – a dismal record stretching back to December.
Despite the defeat, Hibs boss David Gray was disappointed with his team's performance, stating that they had "gifted" the goal away in the first half and failed to create sufficient chances to get back into the game. However, Gray also acknowledged that Rangers were deserving of their win, saying that he didn't think his side had been beaten "off the pitch."
Rangers boss Danny Röhl was more effusive in his praise for his team, describing their performance as a "huge step forward" and praising the fighting spirit shown by his players. The Gers boss also highlighted the importance of winning consecutive games, saying that it would give them momentum going into the weekend's League Cup semi-final against Celtic.
For Rangers, the win was a significant statement of intent ahead of the busy weeks to come. They now take their newly found momentum into the weekend's League Cup semi-final, where they will face off against Celtic in what promises to be an entertaining encounter.