Rangers secured a dramatic 2-2 draw at Tynecastle, surviving a spirited comeback from Hearts to keep their unbeaten home record intact. The match was defined by emotional tension, as Rangers manager Derek McInnes was loudly booed by the Edinburgh crowd during his first return to the ground since departing for Ibrox in June. Despite the hostile reception, McInnes’ side struck early when Kevin Kelsy capitalized on a defensive lapse by Laurent Mendy to open the scoring in the 16th minute, silencing the home support and setting a tense tone for the remainder of the contest.
Makhanya’s 89th-minute header denies Hearts as Gers boss faces boos in Tynecadle debut
Hearts responded with urgency in the second half, reversing the momentum through goals from Claudio Braga and Calvin Miller. The pair’s efforts gave the Edinburgh side a 2-1 lead, fueling the home crowd’s confidence and threatening to end Rangers’ recent resilience. However, the visitors refused to accept defeat, maintaining pressure in the closing minutes. The game reached its climax when Olwethu Makhanya rose highest to head home an 89th-minute equalizer, rescuing a crucial point for Rangers and preserving Hearts’ formidable home form despite the late scare.
The result leaves both teams with mixed emotions, as Rangers failed to convert a late opportunity for victory when Dujon Sterling missed a brilliant chance to snatch a win in stoppage time. For McInnes, the draw offers a tactical win in managing the emotional weight of his return, while Hearts retain their strong domestic record. The match highlights the high stakes of the Scottish Premiership, where individual brilliance from Makhanya and Kelsy proved decisive in a tightly contested affair that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
Source: Sky Sports
