Rangers staged an impressive fightback from two goals down to overcome Dundee 5-2 at Ibrox and delay Celtic’s title party by 24 hours at least.
Following Saturday’s damaging Old Firm loss at the hands of the reigning champions, Philippe Clement’s injury-hit side knew victory was a must against the out of form Dark Blues to prolong their rivals wait to wrap up the league crown.
But they had to do it the hard way after recovering from a two-goal first half deficit to eventually beat the Tayside outfit and avoid an embarrassing defeat in their final home match of the season.
Jordan McGhee and Antonio Portales had the visitors in dreamland as they threatened a first win at Ibrox since 2001, but Ross McCausland poked home right on the stroke of half-time to hand the hosts a vital lifeline.
That goal will have altered Clement’s half-time team talk slightly and Rangers began the second half in scintillating fashion. Cyriel Dessers dragged them back on level terms within six minutes of the restart for what was his 22nd goal of the campaign.
And the industrious Todd Cantwell turned the game firmly on its head by finding the top corner of the net with a cross-cum-shot which flew past the keeper from wide on the right-hand side.
Substitute Scott Wright then wrapped up maximum points by netting a twice in the space of six minutes in the closing stages - his first league goals in nearly two years - to ensure the Gers moved three points behind leaders Celtic and reduced the goal difference to +4 with one match remaining.
A trip to face Hearts at Tynecastle on the final day of the league season is next up for Clement and his depleted squad before attention will turn towards the Scottish Cup final on May 25th.
Here, GlasgowWorld rates how the Rangers players performed from Ibrox:
13. Cole McKinnon (SUB) - 4/10
The midfielder replaced King after 75 mins as Clement elected for a change of formation, going to three at the back. Saw plenty of the ball and flashed a dangerous ball across the face of goal that was begging to be turned home late on. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
14. Kieran Dowell (SUB) - 5/10
Looked to torment a tiring Dundee defence after being introduced for Diomande as part of a triple change on 82 mins. Lofted pass towards the back post for the unmarked Wright to side-foot into the net and impressed during his late cameo. | Getty Images
15. Scott Wright (SUB) - 7/10
Replaced Dessers with just under 10 mins left to play and notched a late brace with two well taken goals - his first in the league for almost 2 years. Will be delighted with his contribution. | SNS Group
16. Kemar Roofe (SUB) - 4/10
Brought on for Silva as part of that triple substitution. Played a neat one-two with McKinnon but should've been better positioned to get on the end of the youngster's delivery across the face of goal in injury time. Said his goodbyes to supporters after the full-time whistle. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group