The Scottish Premiership title race delivered another electrifying chapter at Ibrox on Sunday, February 15, 2026, as Rangers hosted league leaders Hearts in a clash brimming with tension, drama, and high stakes. With just eleven games remaining in the season and only five points separating the two sides at kickoff, this encounter was billed as potentially pivotal in determining who would lift the trophy come May. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, the stands packed, and millions tuned in to Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football to witness what many have called the most exciting title race in decades.
Hearts arrived in Glasgow with history within their grasp. Not since Aberdeen’s legendary 1984-85 campaign under Sir Alex Ferguson has a club outside the Old Firm claimed Scotland’s top prize. The Jambos, managed by Derek McInnes, have not won the league since 1959-60, but after twenty weeks atop the table and two previous victories over Rangers this season—including a landmark 2-0 win at Ibrox in September—they had every reason to believe. Their midweek heroics, a late derby win over Hibernian courtesy of Tomas Magnusson’s 88th-minute strike, only added to the sense that something special was brewing at Tynecastle.
Rangers, under the guidance of Danny Rohl, have clawed their way back into contention since his appointment in October. When Rohl took over, the Light Blues trailed Hearts by thirteen points—a margin widely considered insurmountable. Yet, as Rohl himself noted, "when I look at the form table since I am here, we are top." Indeed, Rangers have collected more Premiership points than any other club since his arrival, and a win against Hearts would have trimmed the gap to just two points, setting up a photo finish for the ages.
Team news was a closely guarded secret on both sides. Rohl, stung by criticism after the 1-1 draw at Motherwell, kept his selection cards close to his chest. Max Aarons, who missed the Motherwell fixture, remained unavailable, while long-term injuries kept Connor Barron and Derek Cornelius out of action. Midfielder Bailey Rice was also sidelined. Despite these absences, Rangers were expected to field a strong lineup with Jack Butland in goal, James Tavernier at right-back, and attacking threats Mohamed Diomande, Mikey Moore, and Bojan Miovski all likely starters.
Hearts, meanwhile, welcomed back centre-half Craig Halkett from suspension, but were dealt a fresh blow as Stephen Kingsley suffered another injury setback. Key players Cammy Devlin, Lawrence Shankland, Calem Nieuwenhof, and Finlay Pollock all remained sidelined, limiting McInnes’s options as he sought a third consecutive win over Rangers this season—a feat not achieved by a non-Old Firm side in recent memory.
The match itself lived up to its billing and then some. Hearts struck first through Marc Leonard in the 16th minute, silencing the home crowd with a thunderous finish described as "unstoppable from Leonard!" But the drama was just beginning. Rangers responded almost immediately, drawing level as Hearts defender Michael Steinwender sliced into his own net under pressure. Yet, Hearts retook the lead before halftime, only for Rangers to equalize again before the break. The first forty-five minutes were a whirlwind—four goals, relentless intensity, and both sets of supporters on the edge of their seats. As Jamie Braidwood of PA Wire put it, "At half-time, we’re as we were. But the drama was engrossing and enthralling. Hearts led twice, but Rangers twice equalised. It’s fascinatingly poised for the second half."
The second half brought no respite. Hearts made changes, introducing Kabore and Altena, and continued to press. Rangers, however, sensed opportunity. Portuguese striker Chermiti, who had not scored since his January brace against Celtic, emerged as the hero for the home side. He demonstrated composure and opportunism, first drawing Rangers level with a clinical finish and then powering home a header from a pinpoint Skov Olsen cross to give his side the lead for the first time. The Ibrox faithful erupted—after trailing twice, Rangers now led in a match that could define their season.
Controversy was never far away. Referee Don Robertson, assisted by VAR officials Kevin Clancy and Andrew Dallas, had several big calls to make. An early foul by Hearts’ Eduardo Ageu on Rangers’ Raskin had the crowd baying for a red card, but Robertson showed yellow. Rangers’ appeals for a second-half penalty, after Stuart Findlay appeared to handle in the box, were waved away as accidental following a VAR review. Skov Olsen was booked for simulation after going down in the Hearts area, adding to the sense of chaos and unpredictability that has characterized this title race.
Hearts, to their credit, refused to fold. Despite losing Oisin McEntee early to a shoulder injury and being under the cosh for large spells, they continued to threaten. Steinwender, who had earlier erred defensively, redeemed himself with a determined run and assist for Braga’s goal, ensuring Hearts remained in the contest until the final whistle. The visitors’ resilience was evident as they pressed for an equalizer, forcing Butland into a smart save from Kyziridis and keeping Rangers’ defense honest throughout.
For Rangers, the result—coming from behind twice to seize the lead—was a statement of intent and a testament to Rohl’s impact. "Turning a 13-point deficit when I arrived into the possibility of trimming it to just two represents a significant opportunity," Rohl emphasized before the match. "A victory over Hearts would be huge for our campaign." With Celtic also in the hunt and just six points separating the top three, the Scottish Premiership remains wide open, every match a potential turning point.
As the dust settled at Ibrox, both teams could reflect on a pulsating encounter that showcased the very best of Scottish football. Hearts, still dreaming of ending their long title drought, proved they belong in the conversation. Rangers, revitalized and relentless, showed the heart of champions. With eleven games to go and the margin at the top razor-thin, the race for the Premiership crown promises more twists and turns. Fans across Scotland—and beyond—will be counting down the days to the next chapter in this unforgettable season.