In a match that underscored the unpredictable nature of football, Rangers secured a 3-1 victory over Hearts at Tynecastle on Sunday, February 16, 2025. While the scoreline favoured the Gers, the performance on the pitch told a more nuanced story.
A Fortunate Lead
The game’s opening was marked by an unexpected advantage for Rangers. In the 20th minute, a seemingly innocuous cross from Ianis Hagi led to Hearts defender Jamie McCart inadvertently directing the ball into his own net. This own goal granted Rangers an early lead, despite Hearts demonstrating greater control and creating more opportunities in the initial stages. 
As Rangers pushed forward, four attackers held their positions, waiting for a cutback rather than making aggressive runs into the box. Hagi drove a low cross across the Hearts goal, with Gordon getting a slight touch before it ricocheted off McCart and into the net. The move itself lacked intent, with no Rangers player attacking the delivery. Hagi appeared to play the ball into a dangerous area rather than picking out a specific target. In truth, Rangers were fortunate to take the lead from what was a scrappy and unconvincing attacking sequence.
Hearts’ Dominance and Equaliser
Hearts responded with determination, dominating possession and pressing high up the pitch. Their efforts were rewarded shortly after halftime when Michael Steinwender headed in a well-delivered corner from James Penrice, leveling the match at 1-1. This equaliser was a testament to Hearts’ persistence and exposed vulnerabilities in Rangers’ defence.
Rangers conceded 2.61 xG in this match—the highest they’ve allowed to any domestic opponent outside of Celtic this season. Hearts registered 21 shots, 10 of which were on target, compared to Rangers’ 15 shots with 7 on target. These numbers highlight just how much control Hearts had throughout the game, putting Rangers under sustained pressure.
Butland’s Heroics
Central to Rangers’ resilience was goalkeeper Jack Butland. He delivered a standout performance, making crucial saves to deny Hearts’ forwards, particularly the in-form Elton Kabangu. Butland’s agility and composure under pressure were instrumental in keeping the scoreline favorable for Rangers. 
During the Hearts attack shown above, Butland produced what was arguably the save of the match, getting his fingertips to push the ball around the post. However, the danger stemmed from his own mistake in the build-up—his attempted clearance struck Kabangu and fell straight to a Hearts player, who quickly played him back in. Butland will be relieved that his error didn’t result in the ball finding the back of the net.
Turning the Tide
Despite Hearts’ ascendancy, Rangers managed to regain the lead in the 61st minute. A swift counter-attack culminated in Vaclav Cerny capitalising on a rebound, slotting the ball past Craig Gordon to make it 2-1. While Igamane’s deflected shot falling to Cerny did have an element of luck to it, the build up play was impressive from Rangers.
In the sequence above, Diomande receives the ball under pressure from two Hearts midfielders before smartly working it to Lawrence, who then plays in Igamane. It was a swift, flowing move that opened up space for Cerny to exploit, ultimately putting Rangers on the front foot.
Sealing the Victory
Misfortune struck McCart again in the 73rd minute when another defensive mishap resulted in his second own goal of the match, extending Rangers’ lead to 3-1. This second blow effectively sealed the game, dampening Hearts’ spirited performance. 
While the Hearts defender was unfortunate to see the ball end up in the net, Dessers’ movement was excellent, putting him in a position that made it difficult to defend. However, the real moment of quality came from Hagi, whose perfectly weighted ball over the top split the two Hearts defenders and landed precisely in Dessers’ path.
Managerial Reactions
Post-match, Rangers manager Philippe Clement acknowledged the necessity of the win, especially following recent disappointments. He praised his team’s resilience and highlighted Butland’s exceptional performance as a cornerstone of the victory. Conversely, Hearts’ manager Neil Critchley expressed bewilderment at the result, asserting that his team had been the better side for significant portions of the game. 
Fan Perspectives
The Rangers fanbase exhibited mixed reactions. While the victory was welcomed, concerns lingered regarding the team’s overall performance and consistency. Discussions among supporters reflected a desire for more convincing displays, emphasising that while results are demanded, the manner in which they are achieved holds equal importance.
Looking Ahead
This match serves as a reminder that in football, the final score doesn’t always reflect the game’s narrative. For Rangers, the result provides a platform to build upon, but it also underscores areas requiring improvement. As the season progresses, translating such fortuitous victories into consistent, commanding performances will be essential for sustaining success and appeasing the ever-expectant Ibrox faithful.