Ryan Naderi struck twice as Rangers moved to the top of the Scottish Premiership with a 3-1 victory over Kilmarnock at Ibrox.
Derek McInnes’ side continued their impressive run of form with a commanding first-half display, scoring three times before the break to put themselves firmly in control.
The result extended Rangers’ winning streak and saw them leapfrog Celtic at the summit, putting further pressure on their Glasgow rivals ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Motherwell.
Despite a sluggish opening, Rangers soon found their rhythm and took the lead after 15 minutes. James Penrice delivered an excellent cross into the box, allowing Naderi to power a header beyond the Kilmarnock goalkeeper.
The German striker was proving a handful for the visitors’ defence, and Rangers doubled their advantage just nine minutes later. Kevin Kelsy found the net in the 24th minute to register his first league goal for the club and give the home support further reason to celebrate.
Kilmarnock struggled to contain the hosts as Rangers continued to threaten, and Naderi struck again just before half-time. Another header in the 44th minute completed his brace and put the game firmly in Rangers’ hands.
With a three-goal cushion at the interval, the Ibrox side looked well placed to secure another important victory.
The second half proved a different story, with Rangers unable to maintain the intensity that had overwhelmed Kilmarnock before the break.
McInnes’ side appeared to tire after the interval, with the international break and the demands placed on several travelling players potentially contributing to a less cohesive performance.
Kilmarnock found more opportunities to attack but struggled to make their chances count, allowing Rangers to protect their advantage without facing a serious fightback.
The visitors eventually found a consolation goal in the 90th minute when substitute Nicky Cleșcenco scored on the counterattack.
The late strike denied Rangers another clean sheet, but it did little to change the outcome of a match effectively settled during the opening 45 minutes.
Mcinnes demands more despite Rangers’ win
Although pleased with the result, McInnes acknowledged that his side would need to improve after a second-half performance that fell short of the standards they have set during their recent run.
Rangers have made significant progress following a difficult start to the campaign, and their latest victory continued a sequence of results that has transformed the mood around Ibrox.
Naderi’s contribution was another major positive, with the striker’s two goals taking his tally to six for the season.
Kelsy also provided encouragement by opening his league account, adding another attacking option for McInnes as Rangers look to maintain their momentum.
However, the manager will be keen to ensure his side can produce a more complete performance across 90 minutes as the fixtures begin to intensify.
What it means
Rangers move to the top of the Scottish Premiership with 19 points from eight matches, one point ahead of Celtic, who have a game in hand.
The victory represents another significant step in Rangers’ recovery under McInnes, with the team continuing to build confidence and consistency.
For Kilmarnock, the defeat leaves them rooted to the foot of the table on five points, with defensive lapses proving costly once again.
Rangers now turn their attention to next weekend’s trip to Dundee, where they will look to extend their winning run and maintain their position at the summit.
The title race remains finely poised, but Rangers have given themselves a valuable advantage. Celtic have the opportunity to respond, and the battle at the top looks set to provide plenty more twists in the weeks ahead.
