Rangers Denied First Home Win as Dundee United Stage Stunning Comeback
Rangers’ wait for a first home Scottish Premiership win of the season goes on, after a thrilling 2-2 draw with Dundee United at Ibrox.
Despite taking the lead through a spectacular Thelo Aasgaard strike, the home side surrendered their advantage after a second-half resurgence from Jim Goodwin’s visitors — only for James Tavernier to rescue a late point with a trademark thunderbolt.
It was another frustrating evening for interim boss Steven Smith, who watched his side dominate the first half before being blown away in a pulsating second period.
Aasgaard’s Wonder Goal Lights Up Ibrox
Rangers began brightly, showing the kind of attacking intent that had been missing in previous home fixtures. Their early pressure was rewarded when Thelo Aasgaard produced a moment of magic — weaving past two defenders before curling an unstoppable shot into the top corner to give the hosts the lead.
The Norwegian midfielder looked unstoppable in the first half, peppering the Dundee United goal with efforts that forced sharp saves from Yevhen Kucherenko.
Ibrox buzzed with renewed optimism as Rangers appeared to be playing with freedom and confidence, but once again, their inability to sustain intensity for 90 minutes proved costly.
Dundee United Fight Back in Style
Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United emerged from the interval transformed. The visitors pressed higher, competed harder for second balls, and were rewarded when substitute Kristijan Trapanovski made an instant impact. With virtually his first touch, he fired home the equaliser after a well-worked attacking move.
Moments later, Craig Sibbald stunned the home crowd with a thunderous strike from distance to put United 2-1 up — sparking wild celebrations among the 900 travelling fans, who sensed a first win at Ibrox since 2011.
United’s spirited comeback reflected Goodwin’s tactical adjustments and belief in his side’s resilience, with Kucherenko again standing tall between the posts to deny Rangers an immediate reply.
Tavernier’s Late Rescue
As frustration grew inside Ibrox and some fans began to head for the exits, James Tavernier stepped up when his team needed him most. The Rangers captain unleashed a powerful effort in the dying minutes to snatch a point for his side.
Even then, the drama wasn’t over — Trapanovski nearly grabbed a late winner, forcing Jack Butland into a crucial save, while Pantuche Camara narrowly missed the target with almost the final kick of the match.
While the draw salvaged some pride for the hosts, it did little to ease concerns about their form, particularly at home.
Manager Reactions
Steven Smith (Rangers Interim Head Coach):
“We didn’t adapt to Dundee United’s change in aggression. They won second balls, gained territory, and that completely changed the game. We got the equaliser, but it’s frustrating because we should’ve killed it off earlier.”
Jim Goodwin (Dundee United Manager):
“Rangers dominated the first half — we were second best all over the park. But after the break, we carried out our plan perfectly. I’m proud of the fight and attitude. That second half is the level we must start matches with.”
Analysis: Familiar Failings for Rangers
Once again, Rangers’ inconsistency was on full display. Their first-half dominance, driven by Aasgaard’s creativity and Tavernier’s leadership, evaporated under second-half pressure.
The defensive lapses that have plagued them all season reappeared, with poor organisation allowing Dundee United to seize control. Interim boss Steven Smith has injected some energy into the side, but the lack of composure when leading remains a major concern.
Dundee United, meanwhile, showcased their growing maturity under Goodwin. After successive strong second-half performances in recent weeks, this draw feels like a statement of intent — a sign that United can compete with the league’s elite.
What’s Next?
- Rangers: Travel to Norway to face Brann in the Europa League on Thursday (17:45 BST) before returning to Premiership duty.
- Dundee United: Host St Mirren on Saturday (15:00 BST) in what promises to be another key test of their momentum.
Player of the Match: Craig Sibbald
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Shots on Target | 2 |
| Rating | ⭐ 7.96 |
Sibbald’s wonder strike not only turned the tide for United but epitomised their fearless approach in the second half.
Leave a Reply