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Ibrox Nightmare Continues Under Ferguson’s Interim Reign
The cracks in Rangers‘ defense were brutally exposed once again as Hibernian secured a commanding 2-0 victory at Ibrox, extending their impressive unbeaten streak in the Scottish Premiership to 16 matches. This result marks a historic low for the Gers, suffering five consecutive home defeats for the first time in their illustrious history.
Marvelbet football analyst Mark Thompson observes: “What we’re witnessing is a systemic collapse at Rangers. The defensive organization that was Philippe Clement’s trademark has completely disappeared under Barry Ferguson’s interim management.”
Match Breakdown: Where It Went Wrong for Rangers
Early Defensive Lapses Set the Tone
Hibernian’s Dylan Levitt capitalized on Rangers‘ defensive uncertainty in just the 8th minute, firing a 25-yard strike that goalkeeper Jack Butland should have handled comfortably. The Welsh international’s effort squirmed through Butland’s grasp, continuing the English keeper’s worrying dip in form.
Former Rangers defender Alan McLaren, speaking exclusively to Marvelbet, noted: “Butland’s body language tells the story – he’s lost confidence, and that spreads through the entire backline. When your last line of defense is shaky, it affects the whole team’s mentality.”
Missed Opportunities and Growing Frustration
Rangers‘ response lacked conviction, with striker Cyriel Dessers particularly wasteful:
- 28th minute: Powerful shot well saved by Hibs keeper Jordan Smith
- First half: Two wayward efforts over the bar
- 59th minute: Weak shot straight at Smith when through on goal
Cyriel Dessers’ struggles in front of goal mirrored Rangers’ overall performance
Killer Second Goal Seals Fate
Martin Boyle put the game beyond doubt in the 69th minute, racing onto a Jordan Obita pass before coolly slotting through Butland’s legs. While initially ruled offside, VAR confirmed the goal, sending the traveling Hibs fans into raptures.
Martin Boyle’s clinical finish exemplified Hibs’ superior sharpness in front of goal
Tactical Analysis: Contrasting Approaches
Hibernian’s Compact System
David Gray’s side executed their gameplan perfectly:
- Solid defensive shape with two compact banks of four
- Quick transitions exploiting Rangers‘ high defensive line
- Clinical finishing when chances arose
Rangers’ Identity Crisis
Ferguson’s team appeared disjointed:
- Failed to break down Hibs’ organized defense
- Lack of creativity in midfield
- Defensive vulnerability on counterattacks
Looking Ahead: Europa League Concerns
With Athletic Bilbao visiting Ibrox for the Europa League quarterfinal first leg, Rangers face a monumental challenge. The suspension of key defender John Souttar and midfielder Mohamed Diomande further complicates matters.
Marvelbet European football expert Sarah Williamson warns: “Unless Ferguson can shore up that defense quickly, Bilbao’s physical forwards could have a field day. Rangers’ European campaign risks ending in embarrassment unless there’s immediate improvement.”
Manager Reactions: Fury vs Satisfaction
Barry Ferguson’s Scathing Assessment
The interim boss didn’t mince words: “That’s not a Rangers team. Miles from being a Rangers team… If you can’t get up for games of football then you shouldn’t be playing football.”
Ferguson hinted at drastic changes: “There’ll be a series of changes on Thursday night. And I can say that right now.”
David Gray’s Delight
The Hibs manager praised his team’s professionalism: “History tells you it’s a real difficult place for a team to come… the level of performance required, I definitely got that for every player today.”
Hibs’ Dylan Levitt (left) set the tone with his early strike
Marvelbet Verdict: Rangers at Crossroads
This result raises serious questions about:
- Barry Ferguson’s suitability for the permanent manager role
- The squad’s mental fragility in domestic matches
- Jack Butland’s future as first-choice goalkeeper
- The team’s ability to compete on multiple fronts
As Rangers prepare for their European test, one thing is clear – unless drastic improvements are made quickly, this season risks unraveling completely. For Hibernian, this victory cements their status as genuine contenders for European qualification and demonstrates the remarkable progress under David Gray.
Stay tuned to Marvelbet for in-depth analysis of Rangers’ Europa League preparations and all the latest Scottish Premiership developments.
