|Rangers lost 1-0 to Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership, with Marley Watkins’ late goal making the crucial difference at Rugby Park.

In a tightly contested Kilmarnock vs Rangers match, Kilmarnock secured a crucial 1-0 win with a late goal in the 86th minute, claiming all three points at Rugby Park.

Kilmarnock vs Rangers: Match Details

Early Chances for Both Teams

Rangers made a couple of changes to their lineup from the previous game against St Johnstone, with Tom Lawrence and Connor Barron returning as Nico Raskin and Ross McCausland started on the bench.

The match began with Rangers’ Jack Butland in goal, supported by captain James Tavernier, Robin Propper, John Souttar, and Jefte in defense. In midfield, Barron and Mohamed Diomande partnered with Lawrence, while Cyriel Dessers led the attack with Vaclav Cerny and Nedim Bajrami.

Kilmarnock posed an early threat when Kyle Vassell managed to set up Marley Watkins, whose shot was cleared by Souttar. Another near-miss came when Corrie Ndaba sent a dangerous cross that Matty Kennedy almost connected with, but the ball went untouched.

At the other end, Dessers had a promising chance following a nice ball from Tavernier, but he couldn’t get a shot off as Kilmarnock’s goalkeeper Robby McCrorie was quick to react. McCrorie also denied a powerful strike from Cerny, showcasing his skills early on.

Disallowed Goal for Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock thought they had taken the lead when Matty Kennedy’s free-kick found Deas, who headed it in. However, the goal was ruled offside after a VAR check, a reminder for Rangers to stay alert.

Vassell continued to threaten, controlling a long goal kick but sending his shot over the bar as the teams went into halftime scoreless.

Rangers Press for an Equalizer

The second half saw Rangers ramp up their pressure, with Dessers taking a powerful shot that McCrorie had to tip wide. Dessers struck the bar from the subsequent corner, and Robin Propper’s follow-up was off target. Bajrami also attempted a shot but missed the goal.

After an hour, Rangers made substitutions, bringing on Nico Raskin and Leon Balogun for Barron and Propper, who had sustained an injury. Rangers continued to search for a breakthrough, but McCrorie was there to block a shot from Souttar, while Butland made a crucial save against Matty Kennedy during a Kilmarnock counter.

Late Drama in Kilmarnock vs Rangers

With time running out, Rangers introduced Hamza Igamane to boost their attack. As both teams pressed for a goal, Kilmarnock struck decisively in the 86th minute. A well-placed ball from David Watson found Marley Watkins, who touched it past Butland and into the net.

Despite six minutes of added time, Rangers couldn’t find an equalizer. Igamane came close with a low strike that drifted just wide of the post, sealing Kilmarnock’s victory in this Kilmarnock vs Rangers encounter.

Kilmarnock vs Rangers Lineups

Rangers Lineups

• Butland, Tavernier, Propper (Balogun, 61), Souttar, Jefte, Barron (Raskin 61), Diomande, Lawrence (Dowell, 79), Bajrami, Cerny (Kasanwirjo, 79), Dessers (Igamane, 72)

• Subs: Kelly, McCausland, Fraser, McKinnon.

Kilmarnock Lineups

• McCrorie, Ndaba, Mayo, Deas, Lyons, Vassell (Anderson, 72), Kennedy (McKenzie, 90), Armstrong (Mackay-Steven, 72), Findlay, Donnelly (Watson, 86), Watkins (Burroughs, 90).

• Subs: O’Hara, Murray, Wales, Bainbridge.