It wasn't pretty, but it was effective. Rangers Football Club scraped past Hibernian Football Club 1-0 at Easter Road Stadium on Wednesday night — a result that sent them climbing into third place in the Scottish Premiership. The only goal came in the fifth minute, a clinical finish that caught Hibs flat-footed. But the real story? A 87th-minute penalty save by Jack Butland, whose reflexes preserved a fragile lead and kept Rangers’ unbeaten run alive at four matches. This wasn’t a masterclass in possession — Hibs had more shots, more passes, more pressure. It was a win built on grit, timing, and one moment of brilliance when it mattered most.
Early Strike, Late Drama
Rangers didn’t waste time. Within five minutes, a well-worked move down the left flank ended with a low cross from the byline, met by a sliding header from Rangers’ young forward, Finn Russell. The ball slipped past Hibs’ goalkeeper, and the away end erupted. It was the kind of goal that feels like a dagger — early, unexpected, and decisive. Hibernian, coming off back-to-back wins against Aberdeen and Livingston, looked rattled. But they didn’t crumble. Instead, they pressed. Hard.
By halftime, Hibs had already fired off seven shots — five on target. Rangers, by contrast, had barely touched the ball in the final third. Their tactic? Sit deep, absorb pressure, and strike on the break. It worked. And when Martin Boyle, Hibs’ 31-year-old Australian striker and top scorer, was fouled in the box by Rangers Football Club’s center-back in the 86th minute, the home crowd sensed a lifeline. The penalty was given. The stadium fell silent as Boyle stepped up. Then — thud. Butland, the 32-year-old former England international, dove low to his left and palmed the shot onto the post. The roar that followed wasn’t just relief — it was disbelief.
Managerial Voices: Discipline Over Dominance
After the final whistle, Michael Rohl, the 46-year-old German manager appointed in July 2024, spoke with quiet confidence. "This was a professional performance," he said in the mixed zone. "We knew Hibs would come at us after their recent good results, but we stayed disciplined and took our early chance. Jack Butland's save late on was crucial, but we defended as a unit throughout."
Lee Johnson, Hibernian’s 44-year-old English manager, was more measured, but no less frustrated. "We created enough chances to win the game," he said in his post-match presser. "But we lacked that final bit of quality. The penalty miss hurts, but we can't dwell on it. We've been on a good run and this won't define our season."
The stats told a story of contrast. Hibernian Football Club completed 489 passes (83.2% accuracy) to Rangers’ 512 (86.7%). They had 14 shots to Rangers’ 8. Yet, the only goal belonged to the visitors. Rangers’ defense, marshaled by captain James Tavernier and anchored by Butland, turned Hibs’ attacking energy into frustration. The backline didn’t just hold — they compressed space, cut passing lanes, and forced mistakes.
League Implications: The Race for the Top
With this win, Rangers Football Club leapfrogged Dundee United and Heart of Midlothian to sit on 22 points from 10 games — just three behind leaders Celtic Football Club and one behind Aberdeen, who sit second with 23. It’s a tight, unpredictable race. Rangers haven’t won the league since 2021, and this result feels like a statement: they’re back in the hunt. Meanwhile, Hibernian remain stuck in seventh with 14 points, a disappointing position for a side that looked like title contenders early in the season.
Historically, this was the 317th meeting between the two clubs. Rangers now lead the all-time head-to-head 132-98, with 87 draws. Their last meeting, a 2-2 draw at Ibrox in May, was a chaotic, end-to-end thriller. This one? A masterclass in containment. The difference? Timing. Rangers capitalized on their one chance. Hibs didn’t.
What’s Next?
Rangers Football Club face St. Johnstone Football Club at McDiarmid Park in Perth on Sunday, November 2, at 3:00 PM UTC. A win there would put them level with Aberdeen — and within touching distance of Celtic. For Hibernian, the focus shifts to Saturday, November 1, when they host Motherwell Football Club at Easter Road. A loss here could see them slip out of the top half entirely.
Why This Matters
This wasn’t just three points. It was proof that Rangers’ new identity under Rohl is taking root — not through flair, but through structure. Butland’s save wasn’t just a moment of brilliance; it was symbolic. After years of defensive fragility, this team is learning to win ugly. That’s the mark of a serious contender. For Hibs, the question isn’t just about missed chances — it’s about whether their attacking talent can be channeled into results under pressure. The answer, for now, remains unclear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Jack Butland’s penalty save impact Rangers’ league position?
Butland’s save in the 87th minute preserved Rangers’ 1-0 lead, securing all three points that lifted them to third place in the Scottish Premiership with 22 points — just three behind Celtic and one behind Aberdeen. Without that save, Hibernian likely equalizes, and Rangers would have earned only a point, leaving them five behind the top two. That single moment could define their title challenge.
Why did Hibernian dominate possession but lose?
Hibernian completed 489 passes and had 14 shots, but only five were on target. Rangers, meanwhile, prioritized defensive shape and counterattacking efficiency. Their 512 passes were more precise (86.7% accuracy), and they converted their single meaningful chance. Hibs’ attacking play lacked final-third cohesion, while Rangers’ defense remained compact and disciplined — proving that quantity doesn’t always beat quality.
What’s the significance of Michael Rohl’s first season at Rangers?
Rohl, appointed in July 2024, is rebuilding Rangers after a turbulent 2023-24 season. His tactical discipline and emphasis on defensive solidity have turned a once-unreliable side into a consistent winner. Four straight unbeaten matches — including this gritty win — suggest he’s establishing a new identity. If they maintain this form, a top-two finish is within reach, which would be a major turnaround from last year’s sixth-place finish.
How does this result affect Hibernian’s season trajectory?
Hibernian’s first defeat in three games exposes a troubling pattern: they’re creating chances but failing to close them out. After wins over Aberdeen and Livingston, this loss to a lower-ranked side could dent confidence. With seven points from their next four matches — including a tough home game against Motherwell — they risk falling into the mid-table grind. Their window to challenge for European qualification is narrowing fast.
What’s the historical context of Rangers vs. Hibernian?
This was the 317th competitive meeting between the two clubs, dating back to 1875. Rangers lead the head-to-head record 132 wins to Hibs’ 98, with 87 draws. The rivalry, though less intense than the Old Firm, carries regional pride — Glasgow vs. Edinburgh. Rangers have won five of the last six meetings, including a 2-2 draw in May 2025. This result extends their dominance, particularly in high-stakes games.
Is this win a sign Rangers are title contenders again?
Absolutely. With 22 points from 10 games and only three behind Celtic, Rangers are firmly in the conversation. Unlike past seasons, where they collapsed under pressure, this team is winning tight games. Their defense is the best in the league (only 7 goals conceded), and Butland’s form is elite. If they maintain this consistency — especially in away games — they’re not just contenders. They’re serious ones.