Rangers twice came from behind to defeat Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts in a six-goal thriller at Ibrox and close the gap to the top of the table to just two points on a dramatic day in the title race thanks to Youssef Chermiti’s hat-trick.
After Celtic cut Hearts’ advantage to three points with their 97th-minute winner at Kilmarnock, having been two goals down at half time, the Premiership leaders jumped into an early lead through Marc Leonard’s thumping finish.
Rangers hit back within three minutes as Hearts defender Michael Steinwender slashed into his own net, but Claudio Braga’s stunning back-post header restored their lead.
Chermiti pounced to score the fourth goal of a breathless half, before the striker grabbed his second to give Rangers the lead before the hour mark with a towering header. As Hearts pushed for a late equaliser, the much-maligned completed his hat trick after Djeidi Gassama’s solo run.
Follow score updates from Rangers v Hearts in the Premiership, below
Rangers v Hearts live: Latest score updates from Scottish Premiership
- FULL TIME! Rangers beat Hearts to cut leaders' advantage to two points
- Celtic cut Hearts' lead to three points as 97th-minute winner seals comeback
- 90' GOAL! Chermiti completes hat-trick to wrap up Rangers' big win (RAN 4-2 HEA)
- 57' GOAL! Chermiti heads in second as Rangers come from behind (RAN 3-2 HEA)
- 39' GOAL! Chermiti pounces as Rangers equalise for second time (RAN 2-2 HEA)
- 30' GOAL! Braga's outstanding header sees Hearts retake the lead (RAN 1-2 HEA)
- 19' GOAL! Rangers respond as Steinwender slashes into own net (RAN 1-1 HEA)
- 16' GOAL! Leonard thrashes in as Hearts punish Rangers mistake (RAN 0-1 HEA)
Youssef Chermiti: The man for the big occasion
18:50 , Jamie BraidwoodYoussef Chermiti has been written off and criticised throughout the season. But five of his seven Premiership goals have now come against either Hearts or Celtic. After his double in the Old Firm in January, he now has a hat-trick against the leaders in February.
How the title race is looking after Rangers beat Hearts
18:33 , Jamie Braidwood1. Hearts, played 27, 57 points, +26 GD
2. Rangers, played 27, 55 points +26 GD
3. Celtic, played 26, 54 points, +22 GD
4. Motherwell, played 26, 47 points, +22 GD
What a season, and it’s all to play for...
FULL TIME! Rangers 4-2 Hearts
18:29 , Jamie BraidwoodThey will settle for four. What a day for Rangers and Danny Rohl. They were 13 points behind Hearts when Rohl walked in the door in October. They are now just two behind the leaders.
Hearts are broken. It’s just their fourth defeat of the season, they still lead by two points - but after leading twice in the first half, that’s a blow. Youssef Chermiti celebrates with the match ball after his hat-trick.
Rangers 4-2 Hearts
18:27 , Jamie Braidwood90+4 mins; Tavernier almost makes it five at the death. The roof would have exploded off Ibrox.
GOAL! Rangers 4-2 Hearts (CHERMITI 90')
18:22 , Jamie BraidwoodTHAT WILL BE THAT! IT’S A HAT-TRICK FOR CHERMITI AND RANGERS ARE GOING TWO POINTS BEHIND HEARTS!
It’s an excellent run from Djeidi Gassama that sets him up. Don’t rub your eyes, Rangers fans. Youseff Chermiti has his first ever hat-trick.
After two goals against Celtic, he bags three against Hearts! Danny Rohl sprints down the touchline!
Rangers 3-2 Hearts
18:19 , Jamie Braidwood87 mins: Tavernier’s low cross is begging for a touch as Hearts hang on. From the corner, Tavernier’s delivery breaks to Antman, but his low shot whistles past the post!
Hearts will send on Mato in another late roll of the dice.
Rangers 3-2 Hearts
18:16 , Jamie Braidwood84 mins: Brilliant from Milne from left back, skipping past Antman to get into the box. But he can’t find an angle for the cross and Butland collects.
Rangers 3-2 Hearts
18:15 , Jamie Braidwood82 mins: More nervy defending from Rangers as Souttar heads behind under little pressure.
But Rangers clear the corner. Diomande had the chance to slip in Antman on the counter but he can’t find the pass.
Rangers 3-2 Hearts
18:12 , Jamie Braidwood80 mins; Two more changes for Rangers. Skov Olsen and Naderi are off for Diomande and Antman. Fresh legs for the final stages.
Rangers 3-2 Hearts
18:11 , Jamie Braidwood77 mins: The defending from Hearts is becoming more frantic. Steinwender has to race across to stop Raskin from running onto the through ball.
Rangers 3-2 Hearts
18:06 , Jamie Braidwood74 mins: Hearts have called for Tuesday’s Edinburgh derby hero Tomas Magnusson, who will be coming on for Baningime.
Rangers 3-2 Hearts
18:03 , Jamie Braidwood70 mins: Hearts are still in this and Milne’s cross leads to a nervous clearance from Rommens at the back post.
Rangers 3-2 Hearts
17:59 , Jamie Braidwood66 mins: Chaos in the Hearts defence. But they just about hang on as Chukwuani drags wide. Hearts skipper Halkett has taken a huge whack from his goalkeeper, though.
Danny Rohl’s side have turned this around - and how. Hearts looked the better side for the start of the second half.
Rangers 3-2 Hearts
17:55 , Jamie Braidwood62 mins: It could be four! Rangers are tearing Hearts apart down the wings but the cross towards the back post is headed away by Findlay with Naderi waiting.
Rangers then find Skov Olsen in acres of space - Moore fires over!
Rangers 3-2 Hearts
17:53 , Jamie Braidwood61 mins: Here come Hearts. They won’t be giving up on this. There’s room for Braga in the box and he is challenged from behind. Referee rules the Rangers man got a touch!
Rangers 3-2 Hearts
17:52 , Jamie Braidwood59 mins: Ibrox is actually bouncing as Milne clatters into the challenge and is booked. Meanwhile, Tavernier is on for Sterling.
As it stands, Rangers are going two points off top. Celtic will be three behind with a game in hand.
WOW.
GOAL! Rangers 3-2 Hearts (CHERMITI 57')
17:49 , Jamie BraidwoodRANGERS HAVE TURNED IT AROUND TO LEAD! AND IT’S CHERMITI AGAIN!
What a cross this is from the right, clipped in by the winger Skov Olsen. And there’s Chermiti, powering in the header! After two goals against Celtic in January, the striker now has a second against Hearts.
And from being behind twice, Rangers lead at Ibrox, which is bouncing!
Rangers 2-2 Hearts
17:48 , Jamie Braidwood55 mins: Rangers appeal for a penalty as Skov Olsen swings in the corner. Has Findlay headed the ball onto his own hand? The replays show that he does... but it’s accidental.
Rangers 2-2 Hearts
17:45 , Jamie Braidwood52 mins: Kabore is giving Hearts much more of a presence up top. It’s funny to think they led twice without necessarily playing that well in the first half. The leaders are starting to have a greater share of the ball.
Braga goes down in the box challenging for the cross to the back post but it’s waved away.
Rangers 2-2 Hearts
17:42 , Jamie Braidwood49 mins: Leonard is late and high on Chukwuani and is booked - but was coming from the side so no further punishment is needed.
Rangers 2-2 Hearts
17:41 , Jamie Braidwood48 mins: The excellent Braga skips down the touchline but is cut out by Raskin’s sliding challenge. It’s full-action once again right from the restart.
BACK UNDERWAY! Rangers 2-2 Hearts
17:37 , Jamie BraidwoodAgeu’s first start lasts just the first half. The Hearts forward is one of two changes, with Chesnokov also making way.
On come Kabore and Altena.
HALF TIME! Rangers 2-2 Hearts - all the goals
17:36 , Jamie BraidwoodGOAL! Rangers 0-1 Hearts (LEONARD 16')
GOAL! Rangers 1-1 Hearts (Steinwender OG 19')
GOAL! Rangers 1-2 Hearts (BRAGA 30')
GOAL! Rangers 2-2 Hearts (CHERMITI 39')
HALF TIME! Rangers 2-2 Hearts
17:22 , Jamie BraidwoodAnd breathe! At half-time, we’re as we were. But the drama was engrossing and enthralling. Hearts led twice, but Rangers twice equalised. It’s fascinatingly poised for the second half.
As it stands, Hearts are going four points clear. They started the day ahead by five, but Celtic’s late comeback at Kilmarnock has really shifted things.
Rangers 2-2 Hearts
17:18 , Jamie Braidwood45 mins: Four minutes added on. The way both teams are ending this half, it feels like we’re already through the 90’!
Baningime drags a long-range shot wide and then it’s Rangers turn to go on the attack.
Rangers 2-2 Hearts
17:16 , Jamie Braidwood44 mins: Kyziridis cuts inside and hits a low shot that is well held by Butland. Will we get another goal before half time?
Rangers 2-2 Hearts
17:14 , Jamie Braidwood41 mins: Chermiti fires the ball across goal but Rangers can’t finish! Then Hearts look to counter. You can’t take your eyes away from this. But Celtic are probably enjoying it!
GOAL! Rangers 2-2 Hearts (CHERMITI 39')
17:11 , Jamie BraidwoodGOODNESS ME WHAT IT HAPPENING! A FOURTH GOAL OF THE HALF!
It’s end to end at Ibrox as Rangers go from defence to attack. Chermiti slips inside from Raskin’s pass, it takes a deflection of Halkett, and he finishes inside the near post!
A fifth of the season for the much-maligned striker!
Rangers 1-2 Hearts
17:09 , Jamie Braidwood37 mins: Groans around Ibrox as Chermiti drags a left-footed shot wide of goal from the edge of the box.
Rangers 1-2 Hearts
17:07 , Jamie Braidwood35 mins: It feels like Rangers have had the majority of the ball but Hearts have scored twice with their two attacks. Indeed, just two shots on target for Hearts, but two goals.
And Braga’s header came just seconds after Skov Olsen was booked for diving in the other box.
GOAL! Rangers 1-2 Hearts (BRAGA 30')
17:02 , Jamie BraidwoodHearts are back in front and it’s that man Claudio Braga! What a header this is!
Just magnificent from the Portuguese: an outstanding header back across goal that loops past Butland!
Hearts were under the cosh after Rangers equalised but they are now back in charge and going six points clear!
Ibrox is suddenly frustrated once more. What a first half this has been.
Rangers 1-1 Hearts
17:01 , Jamie Braidwood29 mins: Skov Olsen’s in-swinging free-kick is punched away by Schwolow. Then, Skov Olsen goes to ground in the box under the challenge of Findlay, but the referee gives a free-kick the other way! Skov Olsen went down far too easily and is booked for a dive.
Rangers 1-1 Hearts
16:59 , Jamie Braidwood25 mins: Hearts boss Derek McInnes is in animated discussions with his coaching staff as the visitors look to get a foot-hold in this game.
The possession is being dominated by the home side, who are unbeaten at Ibrox under Danny Rohl.
Rangers 1-1 Hearts
16:55 , Jamie Braidwood22 mins: The pace of this now is absolutely frantic. Moore’s low drive is kept out as Rangers seek another. It was so important they reacted so quickly.
GOAL! Rangers 1-1 Hearts (Steinwender OG 19')
16:52 , Jamie BraidwoodHearts’ lead lasts less than three minutes! What a messy goal this is but Rangers do not care! Ibrox erupts!
The goalkeeper Schwolow makes a terrific save to deny Chermiti and then Naderi’s effort crashes off the crossbar.
But, in the resulting goalmouth scramble, the substitute Michael Steinwender slashes into his own net!
Scenes. What a game we have now.
GOAL! Rangers 0-1 Hearts (LEONARD 16')
16:48 , Jamie BraidwoodThe leaders are in front! A mistake from Rangers is ruthlessly punished! WOW!
Fernandez’s pass into Rasken is pounced upon by Leonard. He exchanges a one-two with Braga and smashes the finish past Butland.
Groans and boos around Ibrox, that was a gift. But it was sensationally taken by Leonard and the away fans go crazy!
Rangers 0-0 Hearts
16:44 , Jamie Braidwood11 mins: Change for Hearts. McEntee clutches his right shoulder and looks to be in a great deal of discomfort as he goes straight down the tunnel. On comes Steinwender in his place.
Rangers 0-0 Hearts
16:42 , Jamie Braidwood9 mins: A concern for Hearts. The versatile McEntee, so impressive and reliable this season, stays down after landing awkwardly when challenging for a high ball. He is clutching his shoulder.
Rangers 0-0 Hearts
16:40 , Jamie Braidwood8 mins: The visitors have yet to settle. McEntee’s long throw is Hearts’ first opportunity to get it into the Rangers box, but it’s cleared.
Rangers 0-0 Hearts
16:36 , Jamie Braidwood4 mins; The first flashpoint! Ageu, making his first start in the Premiership, goes to ground diving in on Raskin and quickly gets a yellow. He went with both feet but pulled out, lowering the danger.
Rangers 0-0 Hearts
16:35 , Jamie Braidwood3 mins: The first decent attack is from Rangers after a scrappy start from both. Chermiti and Skov Olsen link up but the Dane can’t find the advancing Sterling.
KICK-OFF! Rangers 0-0 Hearts
16:32 , Jamie BraidwoodWe’re underway!
Rangers v Hearts
16:31 , Jamie BraidwoodTo add to the excitement the match ball is being delivered by a pair of Royal Marines, lowering themselves from the Ibrox roof.
Rangers v Hearts
16:29 , Jamie BraidwoodWhat a massive occasion this feels at Ibrox as John Souttar and Craig Halkett lead out the teams.
Ibrox is crackling ahead of this title clash with just a couple of minutes until kick-off.
Reminder of team news and how to watch Rangers v Hearts
16:26 , Jamie BraidwoodRangers XI: Butland, Sterling, Souttar, Fernandez, Rommens,Chukwuani, Raskin, Skov Olsen, Naderi, Moore, Chermiti
Subs: Kelly, Meghoma, Djiga, Tavernier, Aasgaard, Antman, Diomande,Gassama, Miovski
Hearts XI: Schwolow, McEntee, Halkett, Findlay, Milne, Leonard,Baningime, Chesnokov, Braga, Kyziridis, Ageu
Subs: Gordon,Kent, McCart, Kabore, Steinwender, Spittal, Magnusson, Altena,Mato
- It will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
Can Hearts continue incredible away record at the Old Firm?
16:22 , Jamie BraidwoodHearts secured their first win at Rangers since 2014 earlier this season - having also beaten Celtic on the road this season.
No team outside of the Old Firm has won three away games against Celtic and Rangers in the same season since 1983.
And that Aberdeen team was managed by Sir Alex Ferguson.
How the title race is looking after Celtic's late, late win
16:15 , Jamie Braidwood1. Hearts, played 26, 57 points, +28 GD
2. Celtic, played 26, 54 points, +22 GD
3. Rangers, played 26, 52 points +24 GD
By the end of this afternoon, we could have a six-point lead for the unlikely challengers, or three teams separated by three points....
Derek McInnes: 'Win, lose or draw - it won't decide anything'
16:05 , Jamie BraidwoodHearts boss Derek McInnes cut a calm figure before travelling to Rangers and maintained the leaders are “overachieving” to still be top at this stage of the season.
"Win, lose or draw, for me, it doesn't decide anything on Sunday. That's the way we would look at it,” he said.
"I think our away record has been so strong this season that backs what I'm saying up - that we go and try and win every game if we can.
"We understand a lot of games are more difficult than others. And this is in that bracket.”
UNBELIEVABLE! Celtic grab a last-gasp winner!
15:56 , Jamie BraidwoodScenes at Kilmarnock! The on-loan Julian Araujo leaps into the stands after sparking bedlam in the away end, thashing a first-time shot into the roof of the net to complete a comeback in the 97th minute!
Celtic were two goals down at half-time. They have come back to claim all three points, with their second last-minute winner of the week. They are now just three points behind Hearts and go above Rangers before the kick-off at Ibrox!
Into stoppage time at Kilmarnock
15:48 , Jamie BraidwoodInto seven minutes of added time at Rugby Park and Kilmarnock continue to cling onto a point...
Celtic will be five behind unless they can grab another late goal in the Premiership title race.
Rangers v Hearts confirmed line-ups and team news
15:45 , Jamie BraidwoodRangers XI: Butland, Sterling, Souttar, Fernandez, Rommens,Chukwuani, Raskin, Skov Olsen, Naderi, Moore, Chermiti
Subs: Kelly, Meghoma, Djiga, Tavernier, Aasgaard, Antman, Diomande,Gassama, Miovski
Hearts XI: Schwolow, McEntee, Halkett, Findlay, Milne, Leonard,Baningime, Chesnokov, Braga, Kyziridis, Ageu
Subs: Gordon,Kent, McCart, Kabore, Steinwender, Spittal, Magnusson, Altena,Mato.
Rangers boss Danny Rohl says the pressure is on Hearts
15:30 , Jamie BraidwoodDespite dropping points on Wednesday, Rangers boss Danny Rohl says the pressure is all on Hearts ahead of this afternoon’s clash at Ibrox.
Rangers were 13 points behind Hearts when Rohl took charge in October - but could close that gap to just two points with a victory today.
"We have a big opportunity to close the gap from 13 points to 2 points - and it's a great opportunity," Rohl said.
"Generally, it's about consistency, to take consistently three points in a row, again and again and again, and I think in the last couple of weeks we did really well at this.
"I think it's also a big game to take the three points, but I think it's also for Hearts.
"If you are 13 points ahead of a club and you drop maybe to two points, maybe there's also pressure on them. "
GOAL! Kilmarnock 2-2 Celtic (Benjamin Nygren)
15:23 , Jamie BraidwoodCeltic are level! Twenty minutes after the restart, they have wiped out Kilmarnock’s lead!
From the long throw, Benjamin Nygren is there to thrash in from close range!
Still plenty of time for the champions to try and grab a winner, too, and ramp up the pressure on Hearts and Rangers.
GOAL! Kilmarnock 2-1 Celtic (Sebastian Tounekti)
15:15 , Jamie BraidwoodMartin O’Neil made a triple change at half-time and one his substitutes, Sebastian Tounekti, has made an instant impact! The winger cuts inside and thunders and unstoppable shot inside the far corner. Celtic are back in it early in the second half.
Last time out: Rangers drop points in title race at 10-man Motherwell
15:15 , Jamie BraidwoodRangers' title hopes suffered a damaging blow as Stephen Welsh's late leveller gave 10-man Motherwell a deserved 1-1 draw at Fir Park.
Midfielder Nico Raskin gave the visitors the lead with a well-worked goal after six minutes.
Lukas Fadinger was sent off for a 78th-minute foul on Mikey Moore, but 11 minutes later Welsh drove in a dramatic leveller to leave Rangers five points behind leaders Hearts.
Last time out: Hearts tighten grip on Scottish Premiership top spot
15:00 , Jamie BraidwoodSubstitute Tomas Magnusson scored a late winner as William Hill Premiership leaders Hearts defeated Hibernian 1-0 in a tense Edinburgh derby to tighten their grip on top spot.
The Icelandic midfielder popped up with the game's decisive moment in the 88th minute to spark jubilant scenes inside Tynecastle.
Hearts tighten grip on top spot with win over fierce rivals Hibernian
Kilmarnock leading Celtic 2-0 at half-time
14:56 , Jamie BraidwoodA HUGE scoreline at Rugby Park as Kilmarnock lead Celtic 2-0 at the break!
Goals from Tyreece John-Jules and Joe Hugill mean Martin O’Neill’s side are behind and, as it stands, missing out on the chance to close the gap to Hearts and Rangers.
Rangers v Hearts: Possible line-ups
14:45 , Jamie BraidwoodRangers XI: Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Fernandez; Meghoma, Raskin, Cukwauani; Skov Olsen, Diomande, Moore; Chermiti
Hearts XI: Schwolow; McEntee, Halkett, Findlay, Milne; Leonard, Baningime; Chesnokov, Magnusson, Kyziridis; Braga
Rangers v Hearts: Early team news
14:40 , Jamie BraidwoodMax Aarons is a doubt for Rangers but Emmanuel Fernandez and Dujon Sterling could return to the starting line-up named by Danny Rohl.
Craig Halkett will return from suspension for Hearts but captain Lawrence Shankland is a long-term injury absentee and Cammy Devlin remains out.
Is Rangers v Hearts on TV?
14:35 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Premiership fixture will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football. Kick-off at Ibrox is at 4:30pm.
Hello and welcome
14:30 , Jamie BraidwoodHearts face a huge test of their Scottish Premiership title credentials as they travel to second-placed Rangers with the chance to increase their advantage at the top.
The Jambos go to Ibrox five points clear of Rangers at the top, and with Celtic a point further behind - although the champions have a game in hand.
That’s thanks to Tuesday’s late win over rivals Hibernian at Tynecastle, which was followed by Rangers dropping points at fourth-placed Motherwell.
Hearts have won both of their meetings with Rangers this season, including their first win at Ibrox since 2014, as they look to become the first team outside of the Old Firm to win the title since 1985.
