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:
9. Abdallah Sima - 4/10
Swung in a threatening early cross to Dessers. Forced off after 15 mins with another injury problem and looked disconsolate as he trudged off before being consoled by his manager. | Getty Images
10. Rabbi Matondo - 6/10
Brilliant lung-bursting run from midway inside his own half to the edge of the Hearts box before knocking the ball back to set up Tavernier's effort. On the receiving end of a heavy challenge after being sandwiched in between Devlin & Atkinson to win his side a free-kick. Unable to get a shot on target after being fed by Cantwell on the stroke of half-time. Blazed a shot over before being subbed. | SNS Group
11. Cyriel Dessers - 7/10
Could've had four goals on another day. Side-footed Sima's early cross over the bar under pressure Expertly taken opener inside 10 mins, shifting the ball neatly onto his left foot to take the ball away from Atkinson before drilling low under the keeper. Touch let him down at times after the break. Almost grabbed a second, spinning away from his marker inside the box but failing to get a shot away. Did eventually grab a brace, converting at the second attempting after having his first strike saved. Passed up the chance of a hat-trick by setting up Silva instead late on. | SNS Group
12. Ross McCausland (SUB) - 6/10
An unexpected early introduction, replacing Sima after 15 mins. A bundle of energy throughout Clipped a dangerous ball towards the back post after hitting the by-line on 35 mins but no-takers. | SNS Group