Rangers secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Hearts at Tynecastle, maintaining their Premiership push with a performance blending resilience and flair. The match, part of a congested holiday schedule, saw Rangers climb to third, four points behind leaders Celtic.
Hearts struck first through M. Steinwender's 49th-minute header, capitalizing on defensive lapses. Rangers equalized via J. McCart's tap-in, then surged ahead with quickfire goals from substitutes. The win extends Rangers' unbeaten run to five, contrasting Hearts' slide to eighth.
Head-to-head, Rangers dominate: 49 wins in 75 meetings, including 31 away triumphs. Hearts' lone recent home league win dates to 2022 under Unai Emery—now at Aston Villa. Rangers' form (2 wins, 2 draws last five) contrasts Hearts' struggles (1 win, 2 draws, 2 losses).
Injuries plagued both: Hearts without Calem Nieuwenhof and Craig Gordon; Rangers missing Dujon Sterling. Yet Rangers' depth shone, with Connor Barron and Mohamed Diomande controlling midfield. Attendance topped 18,000, reflecting Old Firm rivalries' pull.
