Rangers have booked their place in the Scottish Cup semi-finals as a trip to Hampden beckons following a hard-earned victory over Hibs at Easter Road.
The Gers’ treble hopes are very much alive and kicking after overcoming the 9-man Easter Road side in a frenetic affair in Leith.
Rangers midfielder John Lundstram gave the Ibrox side a first-half lead when he reacted quickest following David Marshall’s James Tavernier penalty save.
Fabio Silva would then cooly slot home a second to complete the scoring after Hibs had Jordan Obita and Nathan Moriah-Welsh sent off within three second half minutes.
Here’s three things we learned from the Scottish Cup clash.
Rangers go out all guns blazing v Hibs in Scottish Cup
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has been clear that he wants to win everything this season and as such squad rotation has been central to the Belgian’s approach.
Clement is never shy in giving opportunities to those on the fringes with the relentless schedule adding a new dimension to the “it’s a squad game” cliche.
But after an energy-sapping trip to Lisbon to play Benfica during the week, the Rangers manager sprung a surprise by fielding the same side who drew 2-2 on Europa League duties.
It was without a doubt a major statement surrounding how seriously Rangers are taking the Scottish Cup and kudos to the team, they went out and delivered.
Rangers on course to match Celtic treble record
The Scottish Cup victory over Hibs ensures that Rangers’ treble dream is very much on following League Cup victory earlier in the season.
Rangers also top the Scottish Premiership by two points and with Celtic flapping now appear firm favourites to go on and lift the trophy.
A Scottish Cup semi-final is to follow with a Rangers victory in both competitions ensuring a first domestic trophy haul since 2002/03.
After Celtic lifted five trebles in seven seasons to overtake Rangers’ record treble haul, the club could level the score (8) this season.
Rangers get rub of VAR green
Another game in Scottish football, another series of controversial refereeing decisions.
Rangers were awarded a first-half penalty when a Hibs defender had bundled Dujon Sterling over in the box, a spot kick which the Ibrox side went on to eventually force home.
The double red-card decision in the second half too obviously knocked the wind out of Hibs’ sails and is likely to be depressingly poured over in the coming days.
The first – a second yellow shown to Jordan Obita for a clash with Rabbi Matondo – is probably a tad more controversial than the second.
Nathan Moriah-Welsh really put his team in it when he flew into a challenge on John Lundstram and can have no complaints.
