The Scottish Premiership clash between St. Mirren vs Rangers was nothing short of spectacular. This high-stakes encounter delivered thrilling moments, tactical battles, and a historic result for St. Mirren. After 13 years, St. Mirren finally secured a league victory over Rangers, marking a significant milestone in their rivalry. Fans witnessed intense action from both teams, with decisive moments shaping the game’s outcome. Let’s explore the highlights, stats, and implications of this exciting matchup.
Match Overview and Highlights
A Historic Victory for St. Mirren
On December 26, 2024, St. Mirren vs Rangers became a memorable fixture in Scottish football history. St. Mirren claimed a 2-1 win, their first league victory over Rangers in over a decade. The game started with St. Mirren taking the lead in the 30th minute when Oisín Smyth converted a penalty following a foul by Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland.
Rangers responded strongly in the second half, with Danilo equalizing in the 61st minute. However, the decisive moment came in stoppage time when Caolan Boyd-Munce struck a dramatic winner. This match not only boosted St. Mirren’s confidence but also left Rangers grappling with their title aspirations.
St. Mirren vs Rangers F.C.
Here’s a breakdown of the key moments from St. Mirren vs Rangers:
- 30th Minute: Oisín Smyth scores from the penalty spot.
- 61st Minute: Danilo levels the score with a composed finish.
- 90+2 Minute: Boyd-Munce scores the match-winning goal.
This timeline illustrates the game’s intensity and how St. Mirren capitalized on their opportunities.
Key Stats and Tactical Breakdown
St. Mirren vs Rangers F.C. Stats
The statistics reveal the balance of play and tactical efficiency. Rangers controlled 63% of possession, while St. Mirren managed only 37%. Despite Rangers’ dominance, St. Mirren made better use of their chances. Rangers had six shots on target, compared to four from St. Mirren. The game also saw a fair share of fouls, with Rangers committing 12 and St. Mirren 10.
Team Lineups and Player Performances
St. Mirren Starting XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Players: Hemming (GK), Tanser, Fraser, Gogic, Strain, Baccus, O’Hara, Boyd-Munce, Smyth, Kiltie, Grieve.
Notable Performances: Smyth’s penalty and Boyd-Munce’s late winner highlighted their attacking edge.
Rangers Starting XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Players: Butland (GK), Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun, Yilmaz, Lundstram, Raskin, Sima, Cantwell, Matondo, Danilo.
Standout Player: Danilo scored Rangers’ only goal and consistently threatened the opposition.
Head-to-Head (H2H) History
St. Mirren vs Rangers H2H Record
Historically, Rangers have dominated this rivalry. However, St. Mirren has shown resilience in recent years. In their last five encounters, Rangers claimed three victories, while St. Mirren managed one win and one draw. Rangers also hold a superior goal tally, scoring 10 compared to St. Mirren’s 5.
Memorable Rivalry Moments
- 2020 League Cup Upset: St. Mirren shocked Rangers with a dramatic 3-2 win, knocking them out in the quarterfinals.
- 2024 League Match: This recent 2-1 victory cemented St. Mirren’s capability to challenge top-tier teams. It reignited their fans’ belief in the team.
Impact on League Standings
Scottish Premiership Table After the Match
This result had significant implications for both teams in the Scottish Premiership. Rangers remain in second place but now trail Celtic by 12 points. The loss highlights their inconsistency and raises concerns over their title hopes. St. Mirren’s victory pushes them to fourth, strengthening their bid for European qualification.
Implications for Both Teams
For Rangers, the defeat underlines their struggles to capitalize on key opportunities. Their reliance on Danilo to score goals highlights a lack of balance in attack. St. Mirren, on the other hand, displayed resilience and determination. This win boosts their confidence for the rest of the season and sets the tone for future matches.
Where to Watch St. Mirren vs Rangers F.C.
Live Broadcasts and Streaming Options
If you missed this exciting match, there are plenty of ways to catch the action. Fans can watch live broadcasts on channels like Sky Sports and BT Sport. Online platforms such as the SPFL website and Rangers TV also provide streaming options. For global audiences, YouTube often offers match highlights shortly after the game.
Match Highlights and Replays
Extended highlights of this match are available on the SPFL’s official YouTube channel. These replays include all key moments, including goals, penalties, and crucial saves. For in-depth analysis, sports news websites and pundit commentary are excellent resources.
Tactical Breakdown and Team Performances
St. Mirren’s Tactical Approach
St. Mirren employed a compact and disciplined defensive setup to counter Rangers’ attacking strength. They operated in a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on a solid backline and quick counterattacks. The midfield trio, led by O’Hara and Boyd-Munce, worked tirelessly to disrupt Rangers’ play and transition the ball forward. Their high pressing in crucial moments forced Rangers into making mistakes, leading to pivotal opportunities like the penalty. St. Mirren’s efficiency in converting chances into goals was the key to their success.
Standout Performances
- St. Mirren: Boyd-Munce was exceptional, not only for his match-winning goal but also for his commanding presence in midfield. Smyth’s composure in converting the penalty added to his standout performance. Fraser and Gogic were solid in defense, repelling numerous Rangers attacks.
- Rangers: Danilo was the brightest spot for Rangers, scoring the equalizer and providing a consistent threat in the final third. Tavernier delivered dangerous crosses but lacked support from the midfield to convert them into goals.
Upcoming Fixtures and Predictions
St. Mirren’s Next Matches
St. Mirren has a challenging schedule ahead. Their next home game is against Aberdeen, a crucial fixture for maintaining their top-four position. Following that, they face Motherwell away, testing their ability to sustain their current momentum.
Rangers’ Upcoming Challenges
Rangers face immense pressure in their upcoming fixtures. They play Celtic in the Old Firm Derby, a match that could define their season. After that, they host Hibernian, where they’ll look to bounce back and regain form. Both games will test their mental and tactical strength.
FAQs:
1. When did St. Mirren last defeat Rangers in the league?
St. Mirren’s last league victory over Rangers before this match was 13 years ago. The December 26, 2024 win ended that drought with a 2-1 result.
2. Where can I watch highlights of the St. Mirren vs Rangers game?
You can watch the extended highlights on the SPFL’s official YouTube channel. Many sports news websites also provide match replays and analysis.
3. What was the key turning point in the match?
The key turning point was Boyd-Munce’s stoppage-time winner in the 90+2 minute. This goal secured a dramatic victory for St. Mirren.
4. How does this result affect the league standings?
Rangers remain in second place but now trail Celtic by 12 points. St. Mirren climbs to fourth, improving their chances for European qualification.
5. What are the next matches for both teams?
St. Mirren will face Aberdeen at home and Motherwell away. Rangers will play Celtic in the Old Firm Derby and host Hibernian.
Conclusion
The St. Mirren vs Rangers F.C. The match exemplified the unpredictability of Scottish football. St. Mirren’s 2-1 win ended years of frustration and brought joy to their loyal fans. Rangers, meanwhile, face mounting challenges in their pursuit of the title. With both teams preparing for crucial fixtures ahead, the stage is set for even more drama in the Scottish Premiership.
