Rangers exploded into life at Ibrox with a commanding 6-0 victory over Kilmarnock, moving within four points of second-place Aberdeen, with a game in hand. After a slow first half, Philippe Clement’s side turned on the style, scoring six goals in a one-sided Scottish Premiership encounter.
It took Rangers 37 minutes to break the deadlock, but once they found their rhythm, the floodgates opened. Here’s a breakdown of how they secured their biggest league win in over three years.
Slow Start, Strong Finish
Rangers’ first half was a frustrating affair. Despite controlling possession, they struggled to break down a stubborn Kilmarnock defense. Their first shot on target didn’t come until the 37th minute, with captain James Tavernier’s fierce shot putting them in front.
It was a relief for the home crowd, but at that point, few could have predicted the onslaught to come. The opening goal was a spark, and it lit up the second half with ruthless efficiency.
The Second Half Onslaught
Once Rangers found their footing, there was no stopping them. The second half saw five more goals in the space of just 24 minutes. First, Danilo doubled the lead after a neat low cross from Ianis Hagi. It was a well-taken finish, showing the quality Rangers have in their attacking ranks.
Two minutes later, it was Hamza Igamane’s turn. The midfielder, who had earlier squandered a golden opportunity at 0-0, made no mistake this time, firing in a powerful 20-yard strike to make it 3-0. The goal was a statement – Rangers were here to put on a show.
Goals Flood in
The goal-fest continued as Vaclav Cerny made it 4-0. Nicolas Raskin created the opportunity with a mesmerizing run into the Kilmarnock box, eventually setting up Cerny to finish with calm precision. The attacking fluidity on display was a testament to the improvement Rangers have shown under Clement.
But the drama didn’t end there. Just moments after coming on, Cyriel Dessers was in the right place at the right time. A ball rolled across the six-yard box from Jefte was bundled home by the Nigerian striker, sealing the 6-0 scoreline.
The victory was especially significant for Rangers, as it came on the back of a string of underwhelming performances, with the team having only scored 18 goals prior to this match. Their attacking prowess, particularly in the second half, was a welcome sight for fans and a much-needed boost to their season.
Kilmarnock’s Defensive Woes
For Kilmarnock, it was a night to forget. They were outclassed in every area and couldn’t cope with the intensity of Rangers’ second-half surge. Despite some promising spells in the first half, they were ultimately undone by the sheer quality and pace of the home side’s attack.
Manager Derek McInnes will have plenty to reflect on after such a heavy defeat. Kilmarnock had little to offer in response and struggled to handle the relentless waves of pressure that came their way. The defeat sees them remain near the bottom of the table, with little room for error in the weeks to come.
What’s Next for Rangers?
For Rangers, the win moves them closer to Aberdeen, who sit in second place. With a game in hand, they have the chance to cut the gap further and keep the pressure on their rivals. The goals and confidence from this match could be the catalyst for a strong run as the winter months approach.
Philippe Clement will be eager to build on this dominant performance, hoping that his side can finally find the consistency that has eluded them at times this season. After all, scoring six goals in a match is no small feat, and it has brought Rangers back into the race for a top-two finish.
