The clash between Rangers F.C. and Hibernian F.C., two of Scotland’s oldest and most storied football clubs, is a fixture that captures the imagination of fans across the country. While the rivalry may not have the same intensity as Rangers’ more famous battles with Celtic, the matchups with Hibernian—also known as Hibs—are fiercely contested, full of passion, drama, and history. From league encounters to cup finals, Rangers vs Hibernian has delivered memorable moments that have become an integral part of Scottish football lore.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of the Rangers vs Hibernian rivalry, examine key moments in their encounters, and take a look at the current status of both clubs in Scottish football. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this article will provide a comprehensive guide to one of the most intriguing rivalries in Scottish sport.
The History of Rangers F.C. and Hibernian F.C.
Rangers F.C: Scotland’s Most Successful Club
Founded in 1872, Rangers F.C. is one of the oldest and most successful football clubs in Scotland, and indeed the world. The club is based in Glasgow and has won numerous league titles, Scottish Cups, and Scottish League Cups, making them one of the most decorated clubs in football history. Rangers have a long-standing rivalry with Celtic F.C., known as the Old Firm, but their fixtures against Hibernian F.C. have often been just as entertaining, albeit with a slightly different dynamic.
Rangers’ history is rich with success, but the club has also faced challenges. Financial difficulties and administrative issues in the early 2010s saw Rangers relegated to the Third Division in 2012, a setback that took several years to recover from. Despite these challenges, the club has been on an upward trajectory, returning to the Scottish Premiership in 2016 and regaining its place as a dominant force in Scottish football under the management of Steven Gerrard (and later, Giovanni van Bronckhorst).
Hibernian F.C: The Edinburgh Giants
Founded in 1875, Hibernian F.C. (often referred to as Hibs) is based in Edinburgh and is one of Scotland’s historic clubs. Hibs has enjoyed periods of success, particularly in the mid-20th century, and has a passionate fanbase that fills Easter Road for every match. Unlike Rangers, who have a more recent history of dominance in Scottish football, Hibernian has often played second fiddle to Celtic and Rangers, but the club has had several significant achievements.
Hibs’ greatest triumph in recent decades came in 2016, when they won the Scottish Cup for the first time in 114 years, defeating Rangers 3-2 in a dramatic final. This win was a historic moment in the club’s history and reignited the passion of the Hibernian supporters.
While Rangers may have had the upper hand in terms of titles, Hibernian’s resilience and occasional upsets against their Glasgow rivals have helped to solidify their place in the hearts of Scottish football fans.
Rangers vs Hibernian: A Timeline of Memorable Matches
The Early Years: First Encounters and Rivalry Formation
The rivalry between Rangers and Hibernian dates back to the late 19th century, when both clubs were competing in the early days of Scottish football. The intensity of the rivalry grew as both teams developed their identities and fanbases. Rangers, with their growing success and the establishment of their dominance in Scottish football, often found themselves up against a Hibernian side that was fighting to assert itself as one of the top clubs in Scotland.
The 1960s to 1980s: Competitive Encounters and Cup Finals
The 1960s through the 1980s saw Rangers and Hibernian continue to meet in league matches and Scottish Cup competitions. Although Rangers were dominant in terms of trophies, Hibernian enjoyed sporadic success, including cup runs that would often bring the two teams together in high-stakes encounters.
One of the most memorable encounters between the two teams during this period was in the 1972 Scottish Cup final, where Rangers triumphed 4-0, continuing their tradition of success in Scottish football. The 1980s also saw Rangers secure dominance in Scottish football under John Greig and Jock Wallace, but Hibernian remained competitive, often providing a challenge in the Scottish League.
The 1990s and 2000s: Rangers Dominate, Hibernian’s Struggles
During the 1990s and 2000s, Rangers continued to dominate Scottish football, winning nine consecutive league titles from 1989 to 1997. Under the management of Walter Smith and backed by significant investment, Rangers were a force to be reckoned with. During this time, Hibernian faced challenges, particularly in the Scottish Premier League, where they struggled to maintain consistency. However, the Edinburgh club still managed to provide competitive encounters against Rangers.
One notable meeting between the two came in the 2007-08 Scottish League Cup, where Rangers won 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. Despite Rangers’ dominance, Hibernian’s occasional upsets and strong performances ensured that their meetings remained engaging for fans.
The 2010s: Hibernian’s Historic Scottish Cup Win
The most memorable moment for Hibernian F.C. in the modern era came in 2016, when the club defeated Rangers 3-2 in the Scottish Cup final. This win was a historic one for the club, as it ended a 114-year wait for a Scottish Cup victory. The match was dramatic, with Rangers leading 2-1 before Hibernian completed a stunning comeback in the final minutes of the game. This victory reignited the passion of Hibernian fans and gave them a moment to remember forever.
At the same time, Rangers were going through a period of rebuilding after their financial collapse in 2012. They had dropped down to the Third Division and were working their way back to the Scottish Premiership. The 2016 Scottish Cup final was symbolic of the different trajectories both clubs were on at the time.
The 2020s: Rangers’ Resurgence and Hibs’ Ambition
Rangers’ return to the Scottish Premiership in 2016 was followed by a period of rebuilding, and under Steven Gerrard, the club re-established itself as a dominant force in Scottish football. In 2021, Rangers won their 55th Scottish Premiership title, ending Celtic’s nine-year title streak. The return of Rangers to the top of Scottish football reignited their rivalry with Hibernian, and matches between the two clubs are now competitive, with Hibernian eager to challenge Rangers for domestic supremacy.
In the 2021-2022 season, Rangers and Hibernian faced off in key league matches. Although Rangers generally had the upper hand in these contests, Hibernian’s ambition to break into the top tier of Scottish football and challenge the dominance of the Old Firm clubs has made their meetings much more exciting.
The Rivalry Today: Key Players and Modern Dynamics
Key Players for Rangers:
James Tavernier: The club captain and dynamic right-back, Tavernier has been a key figure for Rangers in both defense and attack, contributing crucial goals and assists.
Alfredo Morelos: The Colombian striker has been one of Rangers’ top scorers in recent seasons, known for his physical presence and clinical finishing.
Ryan Kent: The winger has been a standout performer for Rangers, using his pace and skill to create opportunities for his teammates.
Key Players for Hibernian:
Martin Boyle: The Australian winger is one of Hibernian’s most dangerous attacking threats, known for his pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability.
Kevin Nisbet: A clinical striker, Nisbet has been one of Hibs’ standout performers in recent years and plays a crucial role in their attacking play.
Paul Hanlon: As the club’s captain and a long-serving player, Hanlon is a leader at the back and provides stability to Hibs’ defense.
Current Dynamics:
Rangers, as one of the two Old Firm clubs, still remain the dominant force in Scottish football. However, Hibernian’s performances in recent years suggest that they are capable of challenging the Old Firm for supremacy. With new management and a strong squad, Hibernian’s rivalry with Rangers remains an exciting and highly anticipated fixture on the Scottish football calendar.
FAQs
What is the history of the Rangers vs Hibernian rivalry?
The rivalry between Rangers F.C. and Hibernian F.C. dates back to the late 19th century when both clubs were established. Although it does not carry the same intensity as the Old Firm rivalry (Rangers vs Celtic), the encounters between Rangers and Hibs have always been competitive and filled with passion. The clubs’ historical encounters in the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup have added layers to this rivalry, with Hibs occasionally upsetting Rangers, especially in cup competitions.
When did Rangers and Hibernian first meet?
Rangers and Hibernian first met in the late 1800s in competitive matches, likely in the early Scottish League competitions. The first documented meeting between the two sides took place in 1875, just after Hibernian’s formation. Their early encounters were typically in the league, with Rangers becoming dominant as the club grew in stature, but Hibs always remained a significant challenger.
What are some memorable matches between Rangers and Hibernian?
Over the years, several matches between Rangers and Hibernian stand out:
1972 Scottish Cup Final: Rangers defeated Hibs 4-0, showcasing their dominance during that period.
2016 Scottish Cup Final: Perhaps the most memorable recent match, where Hibernian triumphed 3-2 in a thrilling final, breaking a 114-year trophy drought.
2017 Scottish Premiership: Hibernian pulled off a memorable 3-2 victory at Easter Road, securing a dramatic win over the reigning champions.
2020-21 Scottish Premiership: Rangers dominated Hibs, maintaining their title charge under Steven Gerrard with strong performances against the Edinburgh club.
Conclusion: The Significance of Rangers vs Hibernian
While the Rangers vs Hibernian rivalry may not have the same intensity as the Old Firm clash, it is a fixture that holds significant importance in Scottish football. With both clubs rich in history, the encounters between these two teams are always competitive, full of drama, and brimming with passion. From historic cup wins to thrilling league encounters, Rangers vs Hibernian remains one of the most intriguing rivalries in the country.
For Hibernian, it’s about challenging the established order and proving that they can compete with Scotland’s top clubs. For Rangers, it’s about maintaining their dominance and proving that they are still the best team in Scotland. Whatever the outcome, every meeting between Rangers F.C. and Hibernian F.C. is one to watch closely, as it continues to shape the landscape of Scottish football.
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