Rangers secured a spot in the Viaplay Cup final with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Hearts at Hampden Park. Skipper James Tavernier was the hero, scoring twice in the second half. He opened the scoring with a penalty five minutes after the interval, and substitute Scott Wright added a second five minutes later. Tavernier then sealed the win with a fantastic 20-yard free-kick in the 64th minute. This victory provides Philippe Clement, who remains unbeaten in his first five games as Rangers’ boss, with his first chance to win silverware in the December 17 final against Aberdeen.
Hearts’ Lawrence Shankland managed to score a consolation penalty with 10 minutes remaining, but it couldn’t change the outcome. Hearts had previously suffered a 2-1 defeat to Rangers in the cinch Premiership.
Before the match, Clement made changes to the Rangers lineup, bringing in left-back Borna Barisic and midfielder Todd Cantwell. Hearts’ Steven Naismith also made several changes from their midweek win over Livingston.
The game saw a series of close calls and saves, with both teams pressing for goals. Danilo, playing with a fractured cheekbone and recently known for scoring a late winner, came close in the first half. Hearts goalkeeper Zander Clark made crucial saves, and Rangers showed persistent threat.
The second half started with a bang as Tavernier converted another penalty, giving Rangers the lead. Scott Wright added to the excitement with a well-placed shot, securing his first goal for Rangers since the 2022 Scottish Cup final against Hearts.
Hearts continued to press, but Tavernier’s trademark free-kick made it 3-0 for Rangers. While Hearts managed to score a penalty later in the game, it wasn’t enough to change the course of the match.
Late saves from Clark kept the scoreline as it was, with Rangers emerging as the victorious side in a thrilling encounter.