Hearts beat Rangers 2-0 at Ibrox as Russell Martin comes under pressure
Lawrence Shankland scores a first-half opener and adds a penalty after Jack Butland save as Hearts claim first Ibrox win over Rangers in 11 years
Hearts claimed a 2-0 victory at Ibrox on Saturday as Lawrence Shankland’s first-half strike and a late penalty sealed three points and intensified scrutiny of Rangers manager Russell Martin.
Shankland opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after a long pass from Claudio Braga found him on the left of the home area; he took a composed finish past Jack Butland at the far post. The result was confirmed in the 82nd minute when Shankland converted from the rebound after his initial penalty was saved low by Butland following a foul on Harry Milne.
Hearts controlled large periods of the match and created several chances in the opening stages. Rangers responded after the interval with a handful of opportunities: Oliver Antman had a shot saved, Thelo Aasgaard saw an effort blocked, and Djeidi Gassama struck the post. Derek Cornelius had a 67th-minute finish ruled out for a foul by Aasgaard on Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow.
Supporters voiced their displeasure throughout the match. Fans repeatedly chanted for Martin to leave the club and directed expletive-laden chants toward the bench. Belgian midfielder Nico Raskin — not included in the Rangers matchday squad after behind-the-scenes talks earlier in the week — watched the game from the stands.
Martin made two changes at half-time, bringing on Cornelius for Nasser Djiga and Antman for Mikey Moore. Djiga, who started at centre back, was substituted at the break. Rangers’ starting lineup included Jack Butland in goal, James Tavernier at right back and John Souttar in central defence; other starters were Mohamed Diomande, Sam Barron, Thelo Aasgaard, Djeidi Gassama and Cyriel Dessers (Miovski started up front). Hearts lined up in a 4-4-2 with Schwolow in goal, Harry Milne and Craig Halkett among the defenders and Shankland partnered in attack by Claudio Braga.
Referee Steven McLean issued bookings to Tavernier and Souttar. The attendance at Ibrox was 50,697.
The result was Hearts’ first league win at Ibrox in 11 years. Derek McInnes’s side, who travelled to Glasgow believing they could win, finished the match with chances of their own late in stoppage time, when substitute Tomas Magnusson hit the upright.
Rangers have now gone 12 competitive matches under Martin, who was appointed after spells at Norwich and Southampton. Tough results earlier in the campaign, including a heavy defeat in Champions League qualifying, and inconsistent domestic form have focused attention on the manager’s position. Hearts’ victory on Saturday underscored defensive issues that have been highlighted in recent fixtures and raised further questions about Rangers’ ability to handle quick transitional play.
Hearts earned praise for organisation and execution on the counter-attack at Ibrox, while Rangers’ supporters made clear their frustrations from the stands. The league campaign will move on quickly: both clubs return to league action this week with attention on whether Rangers can respond to the home defeat and whether Hearts can build on the victory.