Match report as Rangers cut Celtic’s lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership with a 3-0 win over Livingston; Fabio Silva’s first Gers goal was followed by strikes from Rabbi Matondo and Todd Cantwell; Celtic drew 1-1 to Aberdeen earlier in the day.
Encouraged by Celtic’s defeat against Aberdeen earlier in the day, Rangers dominated the match thanks to goals from Rabbi Matondo and Fabio Silva late in the first half, the latter of which was his first in Gers colours.
Following the break, Clement’s squad moved two goals behind Celtic in the fight of goal differential as Todd Cantwell scored a spectacular team play to make it three.
Livingston finished the game with just two touches in the Rangers penalty box and no shots on goal, making the match a total mismatch.
How Rangers edged closer to the top
Rangers got off to an early lead as Clement’s team attempted to catch up to Celtic in terms of both points and goal differential.
Ryan Jack attempted a quick one early on from the edge of the box, but Shamal George saved it superbly. James Tavenier’s corner then needed to be clawed from beneath his own bar.
Rangers held nearly 78% of the ball in the first half and produced 17 shots, with attempts from the edge of the box going wide for Ross McCausland, Cantwell, Tavernier, and Matondo.
With the half coming to a close, Rangers picked up their intensity after Matondo’s deflected shot was pushed over by George. However, the ensuing corner was where the first goal came from.
Conor Goldson prodded Barisic’s corner goalward, but Silva was able to block it and hook the ball into the bottom corner.
Shortly after, Matondo was supplied by Barisic to the left of the box, and this time, his shot deflected into the bottom corner, making it two.
Ten minutes after the interval, McCausland broke free down the right and found Cantwell in the box, who was unmarked and lofted the ball over George and into the middle of the net.
Rangers could afford to be wasteful after that. George had to make two more stops from McCausland, and Silva’s spectacular attempt missed the far post.
For the third straight game, substitute Cyriel Dessers was denied a goal when he attempted a close-range shot that went over the bar, while fellow replacement Ridvan Yilmaz also missed.
Rangers didn’t have to shift into second gear for this game.
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