Rangers faced Motherwell at Ibrox Stadium on March 1, 2025, as the home side aimed to build on their recent momentum following the appointment of Barry Ferguson as interim manager. The match kicked off at 3pm, drawing considerable attention after Ferguson's inspiring start, which saw the team rally from two goals down to secure a thrilling 4-2 comeback victory against Kilmarnock just days earlier.
Ferguson, revered as a club legend, made his managerial debut at Kilmarnock where Cyriel Dessers and Vaclav Cerny led the charge, scoring key goals to turn the tide. Now, the interim coach's first match at home brought heightened expectations from fans eager for more success. Despite trailing Celtic by 13 points and having little hope of catching their rivals, securing three points against Motherwell was seen as pivotal for maintaining positive morale within the squad.
Motherwell, on the other hand, had recently ended their own dismal run of results. Under new manager Michael Wimmer, the Steelmen secured their first win in seven matches by overcoming Dundee 2-1. This rejuvenation provided them with some confidence as they traveled to Glasgow, sitting just two points outside the top six and hungry to improve upon their dismal record against Rangers.
The previous encounters heavily favored the Gers, who had lost just once against Motherwell across 60 league meetings. With 66 wins from their last 94 clashes, Rangers were expected to have the upper hand. The fans at Ibrox were also buoyed by the prospect of James Tavernier approaching his 500th appearance for the club, emphasizing his integral role both on and off the pitch.
This match preview highlighted the key match statistics, noting Rangers had only one defeat at home this season against Motherwell back in 2024, where they lost 2-1. Ferguson was aware of this historical backdrop as he emphasized the need for his squad to start strong and not underestimate their opponents. "We have to make sure we take the game to Motherwell; they will have a game plan to try and get something out of the game," Tavernier stated publicly before the match.
Team news for the home side revealed several absences, with Connor Barron, Dujon Sterling, John Souttar, and Neraysho Kasanwirjo all sidelined due to injury. Motherwell faced similar challenges, with Apostolos Stamatelopoulos and several others also out of the frame, presenting both teams with their own hurdles.
Referee Nick Walsh's management of the match was also highlighted as significant, with expectations surrounding his officiation after past controversial decisions. He would be assisted by David McGeachie and Alastair Taylor, along with VAR officials Gavin Duncan and Sean Carr.
Fans gathered at Ibrox engaged not just with football but with community activities, as the Rangers Charity Foundation utilized the matchday to honor local servicemen and women through entertainment and recognitions. A pipe band performance was scheduled to entertain the crowd, enhancing the match-day experience beyond just football.
Upon kickoff, Rangers aimed to assert their dominance with immediate pressing play, but Motherwell's new strategy under Wimmer compelled them to remain resilient. Motherwell sought to control the game with disciplined defending and counterattacks, testing Rangers’ defense early on. Despite the teams exchanging chances, the first half saw frustration for the home side, unable to capitalize on their ball possession.
Motherwell showcased their improved performance from recent weeks, displaying notable resilience and tactical discipline, stifling Rangers' attempts to breach their defensive line.
Off the pitch, the narrative surrounding Ferguson’s return remained compelling, with analysts discussing his previous successes at the club and hinting at future ambitions should he prove successful during his caretaker tenure. His return sparked optimism among players who grew inspired by his guidance and leadership during training sessions leading up to the match.
The atmosphere at Ibrox filled with excitement as Ferguson relayed his tactical plans, emphasizing the importance of taking initiative against Motherwell's defense. The players responded with commitment, eager to earn Ferguson’s first official league home victory.
At halftime, neither team had found the back of the net, but Rangers remained poised for the second half, intent on turning the tide as they pressed forward with strategic vigor. Fans expected adjustments from Ferguson as they came out post-intermission, and tensions mounted with every minute as the home side sought to turn possession dominance to tangible results.
With the stage set for the second half, it became clear both teams were fighting to solidify their aspirations within the league as the contest pushed on. Could Ferguson inspire his side to victory and cement their resurgence? Or would Motherwell, riding high on their new coach's energy, manage to upset the odds? Only time would reveal the outcome as both teams battled for three valuable points.
Victory for Rangers would not only reaffirm their strength at Ibrox but also pave the way for Ferguson to take more permanent control of his managerial ambitions. Meanwhile, Motherwell need to continue building on their recent success to avoid slipping back down the league table.
Stay tuned for post-match commentary to see how the story unfolded on this significant Scottish Premiership matchup.