Title: Rangers March Into Premier Sports Cup Semi-Final with Commanding 2-0 Win Over Hibernian
Rangers booked their place in the semi-finals of the Premier Sports Cup with a professional and assured 2-0 victory over Hibernian at Ibrox. Under the bright lights of Govan, the home side delivered a composed and effective performance, brushing aside a determined Hibs outfit with goals from Cyriel Dessers and James Tavernier sealing the win.
The atmosphere was electric inside Ibrox as the Rangers faithful turned out in numbers, eager to see their side continue their domestic cup journey. From the opening whistle, the Gers looked sharp, focused, and full of intent — a reflection of a team that knows the importance of silverware this season.
First Half: High Tempo, High Control
The game kicked off with Rangers dominating early possession, dictating the tempo from midfield and pressing high up the pitch. Hibernian, to their credit, didn’t sit back entirely and showed glimpses of their attacking threat through Martin Boyle and Dylan Vente, but it was clear they were second best in the early exchanges.
The breakthrough came midway through the first half, and it was Cyriel Dessers who delivered. A clever pass from Todd Cantwell split the Hibs defence, finding the Nigerian striker in space just inside the box. Dessers controlled smartly and slotted the ball calmly past David Marshall to give Rangers a deserved lead. It was a composed finish and a moment that justified the manager’s faith in his frontman.
Buoyed by the opener, Rangers continued to apply pressure, with Danilo and Cantwell linking up well in the final third. Borna Barišić, returning to the starting lineup, provided width and dangerous deliveries from the left-hand side, while the midfield pairing of Raskin and Lundstram ensured Rangers kept a stranglehold on possession.
Despite some promising moments from Hibs — including a curling effort from Elie Youan that drifted narrowly wide — the visitors struggled to break down a well-organised Rangers backline. Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun were dominant in the air and composed on the ground, keeping the threat to Jack Butland’s goal minimal.
Second Half: Leadership Seals the Deal
If the first half was about laying the foundations, the second half was about leadership and control. Rangers emerged from the tunnel with the same focus and intensity, and it didn’t take long for them to double their advantage.
Captain James Tavernier, always the man for the big moments, stepped up once again. After a swift move involving Cantwell and Raskin down the right, a loose ball fell kindly to Tavernier on the edge of the area. The skipper took a touch and unleashed a thunderous low drive that rifled into the bottom corner — a finish that left Marshall with no chance and Ibrox erupting in celebration.
With a 2-0 cushion, Rangers shifted gears slightly, prioritising control and game management over relentless attacking. The introduction of fresh legs, including Ryan Jack and Rabbi Matondo, ensured there was no drop in energy levels as the match wore on.
Hibernian, to their credit, never gave up and tried to push forward in search of a lifeline, but they lacked the cutting edge in the final third. Butland remained largely untested, thanks to a disciplined defensive structure that left little space for the visitors to exploit.
Professionalism and Purpose
As the final whistle blew, the significance of the win was clear. It wasn’t just a progression to the semi-finals — it was a performance that exuded maturity, control, and purpose. Rangers looked like a team that knows what it takes to win trophies. The players were visibly united, the crowd roared with pride, and there was a renewed sense of momentum around Ibrox.
Much credit must go to the coaching staff, who set the team up perfectly to nullify Hibernian’s strengths and exploit their weaknesses. The tactical approach was spot on, and the players executed the plan with discipline and quality.
This victory marks another important step in Rangers’ quest for domestic honours this season. With a semi-final on the horizon, fans will already be dreaming of Hampden and the chance to lift silverware. But if this performance is anything to go by, the team isn’t just dreaming — they’re planning.
In a season where every trophy matters, Rangers have sent a clear message: they are ready, they are focused, and they are coming for silverware.
Full-Time: Rangers 2-0 Hibernian
⚽ Scorers: Dessers (1H), Tavernier (2H)
️ Venue: Ibrox Stadium
️ Result: Rangers advance to the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals
