Rangers overcame early setbacks to secure an unlikely 4-2 victory against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on February 26, 2025, under the management of new head coach Ferguson. This match displayed both the troubling issues at the heart of the Rangers' squad and the potential for regeneration after the departure of former coach Philippe Clement, who was dismissed following disappointing results, including a 2-0 loss to St. Mirren.
There was palpable interest surrounding the game, particularly due to Ferguson's appointment. Rangers' new manager retained the same personnel from their previous match, hoping to ignite some much-needed improvement. Early on, it became clear they would be tested. Kilmarnock struck first through defender Joe Wright, who scored with a powerful header from a corner delivery just 11 minutes in, leaving the Rangers defense floundering.
A mere three minutes later, the situation worsened for Rangers when Kilmarnock skipper Brad Lyons intercepted a short pass back from Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin. Lyons capitalized on the mishap, curling the ball beautifully from 20 yards past goalkeeper Jack Butland, sending the home fans at Rugby Park roaring with excitement. Rangers found themselves two goals down within the opening 15 minutes, and it could have been worse had Kilmarnock’s Marley Watkins capitalized on additional opportunities.
Ferguson’s squad appeared shaken but attempted to claw back some control. Unlikely hero Vaclav Cerny pulled one back for Rangers, slipping the ball under Kilmarnock's keeper, Kieran O'Hara, after connecting with Mohamed Diomande’s pass. His goal injected life back toward the visitors, narrowing their deficit to one just before halftime.
Following the break, Rangers came out with renewed energy. Cyriel Dessers began his scoring feat shortly after, leveling the match at 2-2 by heading home from James Tavernier’s corner kick just eight minutes after the restart. The momentum had shifted decidedly toward Rangers, and Dessers would not be finished yet.
Appearing more determined and united, Rangers' play turned fluid. Dessers struck again, executing a volley from 16 yards out after expertly receiving Ridvan Yilmaz’s probing pass. His swift celebratory run to the stunned Gers fans behind the goal highlighted the shift from earlier despair to jubilation.
Just when the tide seemed to firmly favor Rangers, they continued their attack, with substitutes making significant impacts. Nedim Bajrami, off the bench, attacked decisively, driving past O'Hara after collecting another pass from Diomande, sealing the win with another strike for the visitors and leaving Kilmarnock to rue what could have been.
This match not only secured three pivotal points for Rangers but also showcased the resilience and potential under Ferguson as manager. Despite dropping behind significantly and risking another blow to their already fragile morale, the comeback highlights the grit within the squad.
While this victory is welcomed, it does little to mitigate the 13-point gap separating them from rivals Celtic atop the William Hill Premiership table. Such distance suggests title hopes are nearly extinguished, making this season increasingly likely to conclude without silverware for Rangers. Nonetheless, the triumph over Kilmarnock reinforces their determination, as they prepare for upcoming challenges, including their Europa League last-16 clash against Fenerbahce next month.