Full Breakdown
Rangers salvage a point at Tynecastle as Makhanya’s late header earns a 2-2 draw
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Match summary
Rangers travelled to Tynecastle and opened the scoring in the 16th minute through Kevin Kelsy after a lapse by Hearts’ Laurent Mendy. Hearts responded with a Claudio Braga header in the 48th minute and a Calvin Miller finish in the 57th, taking a 2-0 lead. Olwethu Makhanya headed home from a Badredine Boulani free-kick in the 89th minute to level the match. The result leaves Rangers four points behind league leaders Celtic and four points clear of Hearts.
02
Background & context
The fixture marked manager Derek McInnes’s first appearance back at Tynecastle since leaving Hearts for Rangers in June. McInnes had guided Hearts to the brink of the title in his sole full season before being overtaken on the final day by Celtic. His return was highly anticipated and provoked a hostile reception from the home crowd, who booed him throughout the match.
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03
Data & statistics
- Goals: Kevin Kelsy (Rangers, 16’); Claudio Braga (Hearts, 48’); Calvin Miller (Hearts, 57’); Olwethu Makhanya (Rangers, 89’).
- Points: Rangers remain second in the Scottish Premiership, four points behind Celtic and four points ahead of Hearts.
- League streaks: Hearts maintain an unbeaten run of 26 home league games.
- Substitutions: Rangers introduced Badredine Boulani for Djeidi Gassama in the second half; Hearts replaced Rogers Mato with Stephen Kingsley after an injury.
04
Official statements & responses
He described the second-half collapse as “inexplicable” and noted that the team only found cohesion in the final 15-20 minutes, which produced the set-piece equaliser.
Hearts manager Wouter Vrancken expressed pride in his team’s performance despite an injury crisis, calling the display “massive” and acknowledging that a late concession was “disappointing” because the side “deserved the three points.” He also commented on the post-match handshake, suggesting it was not entirely genuine but that the two coaches had spoken afterward.
05
Verbatim quotes
- “We’re disappointed we never showed more authority in the game,” — Derek McInnes, Rangers manager
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Why it matters
The draw preserves Rangers’ challenge for the title while keeping Hearts’ formidable home record intact. Both clubs remain within striking distance of Celtic, who also drew 2-2 with Dundee United on the same night. The result sets up Rangers for a Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Aberdeen at Hampden, a fixture that could further influence momentum in the closing stages of the season.