Rangers defeated Hibernian 2-0 at Easter Road in a thrilling match that guaranteed them a spot in the Scottish Cup semifinals. John Lundstram and Fabio Silva each scored a goal in the first half to put Rangers in the running for Monday’s final four draw.
James Tavernier’s penalty was saved, and Lundstram scored. Nathan Moriah-Welsh and Jordan Obita were sent off for Hibs in rapid succession, and Silva sealed the victory in the last moments. At Ibrox, all eyes are now on the Europa League’s advancement.
Clement’s sideshow persona and attributes
On this particular evening, mental toughness and physical strength were just as crucial as technical proficiency and tactical acumen. Rangers had to delve far and somehow manage to come out on top. This was overcoming hardship. It also speaks volumes about the work Clement and his team put in to stay competitive on three fronts.
For a team that is so thinly manned, the international break just cannot come soon enough. But before then, there is work for the Rangers to accomplish. The journey to play Dundee the following weekend has special significance as the league leaders attempt to take a step closer to winning the championship. The return leg against Benfica might be yet another unforgettable night beneath the Ibrox floodlights.
Without a doubt, this was a challenging draw against a squad that would have liked their chances of making it to the final four, as Clement said this week. The fact that Rangers handled it so well and under these conditions says a lot about them.
Rangers take advantage of every opportunity.
It was always going to be a formality, using VAR to verify Steven McLean’s penalty call. The way Dujon Sterling was bundled over in the box was obviously illegal. After some good work down the right by Rangers, a pass from Tavernier sent Sterling in the direction of goal. Just seconds earlier, Obita had been exposed by Cyriel Dessers on the opposite side, so his mind must still have been jumbled as he sent Sterling hurtling through the air.
David Marshall made a great stop low to his right against Tavernier. But Lundstram followed it up, and the midfielder beat a few players to the ball to score from close range, leaving him powerless. Rangers’ first game went well, but not how they had anticipated.
Just eight minutes remained before the moment that guaranteed a spot in the semi-finals. With a low shot at the near post, Silva beat Marshall after he had gathered the ball in the left channel and moved it onto his right foot. It was the Portuguese way of saying thank you for a job well done.
Injury crisis gets worse
Over his tenure, Clement’s starting lineups have proven to be unpredictable. Due to injury concerns, the Belgian has referred to his squad selections as a “puzzle” and has frequently made a few changes from game to game, some of which are tactical in nature and some of which are enforced. There isn’t a “best” Rangers XI on paper.
This was the same team. Just hours after a physically and mentally taxing match, those who did so brilliantly in Lisbon were asked to play again. Although Clement has thrown a few curveballs in the past, that was perhaps the greatest one of all. Before the game, he said he needed the same players to start, but he didn’t think they would play through to the end of the Easter Road match.
Sadly, Clement’s first alteration had to occur sooner than anticipated since Ross McCausland had to take Sterling’s place once he was forced out. After exchanging some words on the touchline, Clement and the Englishman gave a disappointed pat on the head and Sterling made his way to the dressing room.
Clement made shrewd decisions by pulling out Tom Lawrence and Mohamed Diomande, who had just missed a stunning 12-yard opportunity. Cole McKinnon and Nicolas Raskin were introduced. For the following week, both will be necessary.
Matondo is a bright spot.
For Clement, Matondo’s comeback was a pleasant lift. The Rangers’ appalling injury record this season was summed up by the fact that his introduction occurred at McCausland’s expense. The Northern Irishman received treatment before slowly making his way off and he provoked something of a flashpoint as Obita nudged him in an attempt to hurry up his progress. Understandably, Clement was less than impressed. Obita didn’t last much longer as he drew a second yellow card for clattering through the back of Matondo.
The Welshman almost picked up Kemar Roofe after working a short free-kick with Tavernier and firing a low cross towards the near post.
This was Matondo’s first outing since the home win over Ross County on Valentine’s Day. Normally Clement would aim to ease him back into the side slowly and gradually, mindful of not overloading him needlessly. Again, sooner rather than later, Matondo will be required given the circumstances from middle to front. Clement will have to wait and see.
A clean sheet is advantageous.
This is the week that Jack Butland will at last find out if his performance warrants a spot in the England team. Following the victory over St. Mirren, the keeper discussed it, and it has remained on the subject ever since. Considering his performance during the campaign, it would be shocking if Gareth Southgate did not choose him to rejoin the national team.
Southgate would have recoiled if he had been observing from a distance when Butland made an early error when exchanging passes with Connor Goldson a few yards from goal. Under duress, Butland most likely didn’t want the ball back, and he was lucky that Myziane’s careless play and instant of uncertainty prevented a close-range goal.
Hibs had the better of the first half of the second, with Emiliano Marcondes in particular looking dangerous in a commanding performance. Butland made a deft stop to deflect a Dane free-kick. However, some of Rangers’ issues were self-inflicted, and Goldson’s careless passing was a significant concern. The stopper was making a lot of mistakes.
For Hibs, that was it when Moriah-Welsh received a straight red card. Following a vulgar challenge on Lundstram, no one in green and white could have any complaints. Rangers were deserving champions.
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