Philippe Clement’s Rangers endured some challenging moments but ultimately secured all three points with a 3-1 victory over Hearts at Tynecastle, aided by two own goals from Jamie McCart and a strike from Vaclav Cerny.
This was Rangers’ first match since their Scottish Cup upset against Queen’s Park, and the win keeps them firmly in second place in the Premiership. They now sit 13 points behind league leaders Celtic and 18 points clear of third-placed Aberdeen. Meanwhile, the defeat marks Hearts’ first loss of 2025, ending an eight-game unbeaten streak that began after a Boxing Day defeat to Hibs.
Hearts dominated much of the first half, with Lawrence Shankland and Elton Kabangu coming close to scoring. However, Rangers took the lead in the 20th minute, courtesy of McCart’s own goal, as he accidentally turned Ianis Hagi’s drilled cross into his own net. This came despite Rangers not registering a shot on target at that point.
Rangers had opportunities to extend their lead before halftime, with Craig Gordon denying both Cerny and Nico Raskin. Despite Hearts’ strong showing in the first 45 minutes, manager Neil Critchley would have been frustrated to see his side trail at the break.
The Jambos leveled the score just four minutes into the second half. Michael Steinwender, making his first start at Tynecastle, rose highest to head in a James Penrice cross, beating Jack Butland to make it 1-1.
Rangers had to withstand a period of intense pressure from Hearts, including a penalty appeal that was waved away. However, against the run of play, the visitors regained the lead on the hour mark with a quick counterattack, leading to McCart’s second own goal of the match.
