In an all-encompassing battle at Easter Road, Rangers defeated Hibs, with Philippe Clement perhaps taking a jab at Michael Beale.
After winning 2-0 in the capital thanks to goals from John Lundstram and Fabio Silva, the Light Blues secured a trip back to Hampden for a Scottish Cup semifinal on the same day. This kept their dreams of a domestic Treble alive and well. After a disastrous start to the season under former manager Beale, the Ibrox men are still improving under Belgian manager Clement. They were eliminated from the Champions League qualifying round and far behind league rivals Celtic. However, they are currently two points clear of the Hoops in the lead, own a League Cup in their trophy cabinet, and have a chance to advance to the Europa League round in the coming days.
After two red cards in two second-half minutes, the Hibees were down to NINE men, and the home team also suffered a serious blow with Martin Boyle. In the first quarter, there were alarming scenes as the attacker was being stretchered off, thus the game was put on hold for a considerable time. In a genuine fight in Leith, Rangers also lost two players to injuries: Dujon Sterling and Ross McCausland. In response to the quarterfinal match, Clement stated to Viaplay, “I believe we should have advanced. Playing this game is not easy. On Thursday, we wrap up a huge game that required a lot of energy in addition to travel and other expenses.
Clement continued, “A massive game against a very good opponent.” He was looking forward to that match. I’m hoping Ross McCausland and Dujon Sterling can be cleared to play on Thursday. I really hope so, but if not, I have to be quite imaginative. I’ve already shown a lot of creativity in the last few weeks and months. Other alternatives must be found, but we’ll see. With the team we have here and at our disposal, all we can do is give it our all.
“To be in shape for all those games, the boys are putting in a lot of work. Perhaps in their preparation for this season, they overlooked a lot of things. Everyone can clearly see it, so we must prepare thoroughly for next year to ensure that we never again find ourselves in a similar predicament. For now, though, it’s game by game, giving every effort with the team, and providing young guys like Cole McKinnon opportunities.”
Emma Dodds questioned the Viaplay team if they thought it was a jab at the former management for the players’ lack of fitness as the show returned to the punditry panel. According to Marvin Bartley, it appears that way. He has been here for a while, but perhaps the medical staff is informing him that these players aren’t healthy enough to play the way you envision them playing.”
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