Hibernian 0-2 Rangers: Clements men progress in Scottish Cup

Rangers prevailed in bruising battle with nine-man Hibernian to progress to the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup and maintain their four-fronted campaign.

Hibs’ recent revival fell by the wayside in a game when they lost Martin Boyle to a concerning injury, as well as Jordan Obita and Nathan Moriah-Welsh to careless moments of ill-discipline that ended with red cards.

Any slither of hope the depleted home side could force extra time vanished when Fabio Silva fired Rangers to Hampden with a late finish.

This was Leith, not Lisbon. Cultured on the continent, this contest was immediately thrust into frenzy as both sides traded blows in raucous capital conditions.

Hearts were in mouths early on. Jack Butland’s pondering on the ball allowed Emiliano Marcondes to lunge into a challenge and bounce the ball off a post, while Cyriel Dessers curiously chose to cut inside when he was through on goal, allowing Marshall to make the save.

It wouldn’t be long before the veteran goalkeeper was forced into action again, successfully saving his third spot-kick of the campaign, only to watch helplessly as Lundstram’s desire broke the deadlock.

The game’s ferocity was pierced by an unfortunate injury to the visitors’ Dujon Sterling, before a sense of concern engulfed Easter Road as Boyle lay motionless on the turf after John Souttar landed on him.

That prompted a quick medical response and a lengthy delay as the Australian international was removed on a stretcher and taken to hospital.

If the first half was wild, the second period was a whirlwind.

Marcondes’ ferocious free-kick forced a big save from Butland. Substitute Ross McCausland had to trudge off injured himself. Steven MacLean had to remove a cherry-coloured vape from the pitch.

And then, Hibs lost their heads. Obita had been on thin ice for much of the match, and a second booking seemed inevitable as he charged carelessly around the pitch, finally coming for a block on Rabbi Matondo.

No sooner had the defender returned to the home dressing room, he was joined by Moriah-Welsh, who was shown a straight red for a reckless slide on Lundstram.

Deflation became despondence when Silva rifled Rangers into the last four in what was the first Scottish Cup meeting between these sides since Hibs ended their 112-year wait to lift the famous old trophy.

It was a different kind of drama to that historic occasion, and one that leaves the Ibrox side with belief that their campaign can end with added silverware in the cabinet.

More to follow.