Rangers Held to a Goalless Draw Against Hearts in Scottish Premiership Opener

Rangers were forced to settle for a disappointing 0-0 draw against Hearts in the opening game of the Scottish Premiership 2024-25 season on Saturday. With Celtic set to start their title defence against Kilmarnock on Sunday, Rangers had hoped to make an early statement.

Despite a promising start, Philippe Clement’s side struggled with poor finishing and a lack of cohesion in midfield at Tynecastle. “We lacked intensity in the duels and were not calm or brave enough with the ball,” said Clement.

Hearts dominated the first half, but Rangers improved after the break, missing several key chances. Lawrence Shankland tested Rangers’ goalkeeper Jack Butland early on, and Hearts continued to press, with Yan Dhanda hitting the crossbar.

Connor Barron and Cyriel Dessers had near misses for Rangers, with Dessers hitting the bar and post in quick succession. Tom Lawrence and Vaclav Cerny, making his debut, also came close, but neither side could find the net.

In another Saturday fixture, Motherwell and Ross County also played to a 0-0 draw at Fir Park, with Ross County keeper Ross Laidlaw making several crucial saves. The remaining opening matches are set for Sunday and Monday.