Rangers climbed to third place in the Scottish Premiership after a tense 1-0 win over Hibernian at Ibrox.
The match had few clear chances, but Emmanuel Fernandez’s first-half header, set up by a Dujon Sterling cross, proved to be the deciding goal after Hibs failed to make the most of their early pressure.
Rangers thought they had doubled their lead when Djeidi Gassama scored from Mohamed Diomande’s pass, but the goal was ruled offside. Hibs came close themselves, with Warren O’Hora’s header cleared off the line and a late effort from Thibault Klidje blocked.
At the other end, Hibs goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger made two late saves to deny Youssef Chermiti and Diomande, keeping the score tight until the end.
The win keeps Danny Rohl unbeaten in the Premiership since taking charge and was a much-needed response after Rangers’ Europa League defeat to Ferencvaros. While the performance was not convincing, the three points were crucial.
Rangers now sit nine points behind leaders Hearts, with a game in hand, ahead of their meeting at Tynecastle on Sunday. For Hibernian, it was a frustrating night, as their positive play did not result in a goal or a clear-cut chance.
