Rangers kept their hopes of a domestic treble alive in impressive fashion as Cyriel Dessers’ double downed Hearts and set up a first Old Firm Scottish Cup Final against Celtic since 2002.
The Nigerian international scored either side of half-time, opening the scoring inside five minutes with a low finish under the body of Hearts keeper Craig Gordon after shiting the ball neatly on to his left foot. His second came via a slight deflection after seeing his initial effort saved.
Philippe Clement’s side came into the semi-final low on confidence, having won just two of their previous eight games in all competitions. In truth, they never looked like relinquishing their early lead at Hampden Park.
Hearts had a couple of positive moments in the final third, but the Gorgie club lacked the necessary quality and composure to break down the Gers backline. When they did manage to carve out an opening, the Jambos found Jack Butland once again in inspired form between the sticks.
Rangers started the game with a zip and intensity that was missing from their midweek goalless draw with Dundee in the Scottish Premiership at Dens Park. It took a lethargic Hearts almost half an hour to settle into the contest, and top scorer Lawrence Shankland almost gave them a lifeline with a back-post header late on that rippled the side-netting.
Here's how GlasgowWorld rated the Rangers players from Hampden Park:
5. Dujon Sterling - 6/10
Didn't offer to much going forward first-half. Displayed terrific endeavour to get the better of Oda to reach the by-line before forcing Gordon into a near-post save. Went down with cramp after 72 mins. Managed to soldier a while longer before being subbed. | SNS Group
6. John Lundstram - 6/10
Retained and used the ball well. Fired an early effort over the bar from 20-yards wide on the left. Stray pass straight to Forrest led to a Hearts chance, but allowed too much space in the middle of the park to dictate the play at times. | SNS Group
7. Mohamed Diomande - 8/10
A real driving force on his return from a short term injury absence. Superbly weighted pass over the top that led to Balogun's header, which was marginally offside. Drove at the heart of the Jambos backline before skidding an strike from distance narrowly wide of the left-hand post. Subbed. | Getty Images
8. Todd Cantwell - 9/10
Excellent showing. Involved in a lot of clever link-up play first-half. Won back possession deep in the Hearts half before slipping the ball to Dessers in the build-up to Rangers' opener. Blocked a Shankland effort. Excellent work rate throughout, feeding Matondo right at end of the first-half. Brilliant driving run led to the second goal. Subbed. | SNS Group