Rangers Demolish Queen's Park 8-0 in Scottish Cup Rout

In a display of sheer dominance, Rangers FC powered into the Scottish Cup quarter-finals with an emphatic 8-0 victory over Queen's Park at Ibrox Stadium on Sunday, February 8, 2026. The match, part of the fifth round, saw the Glasgow giants overwhelm their Championship opponents from the opening whistle, showcasing the depth and firepower that has become synonymous with the Gers under head coach Danny Rohl.

Match Overview: A One-Sided Affair at Ibrox

The game kicked off with Rangers asserting immediate control, and it wasn't long before the scoreboard reflected their superiority. With an attendance of 36,190 packing the stands, the home crowd was treated to a goal-fest that highlighted Rangers' attacking prowess. Queen's Park, managed by Sean Crighton, struggled to cope with the intensity, conceding five goals in the first half alone.

Rangers' strategy was clear: high pressing, quick transitions, and relentless pressure on set pieces. This approach paid dividends early, as the team capitalized on every opportunity. Queen's Park's defensive lapses, particularly in marking and set-piece organization, were ruthlessly exposed, leading to a humiliating defeat that Crighton later described as being 'miles off it'.

Key Goals and Milestones

• 8th Minute: R. Naderi opened the scoring with a clinical finish, assisted by captain James Tavernier. The early goal set the tone, silencing any hopes of an upset.
• 18th and 26th Minutes: Tavernier took center stage, netting twice in quick succession. His first was a powerful header from a corner, while the second came from a well-worked team move, underlining his leadership on the pitch.
• 39th Minute (Penalty): Tavernier completed his hat-trick from the spot after a foul in the box, sending the keeper the wrong way. This goal, his third of the match, drew comparisons to some of the captain's finest performances in recent seasons.
• 43rd Minute: An own goal by Queen's Park's M. Shiels added to the misery, as a deflected clearance found the net under pressure from Rangers' forwards.
• 49th Minute: Naderi struck again shortly after halftime, assisted by O. Antman, extending the lead to 6-0 and effectively ending any contest.
• 80th Minute: B. Miovski got in on the act with a tidy finish, assisted by J. Meghoma, rewarding Rangers' persistence in breaking down a deep-lying defense.
• 90th Minute: T. Chukwuani rounded off the scoring with a late goal, assisted by T. Aasgaard, capping a perfect afternoon for the home side.

The halftime score of 5-0 was already decisive, but Rangers' second-half adjustments ensured a professional finish. Rohl praised his team's hunger for more goals, noting how they adapted to Queen's Park's defensive shell.

Player Performances: Tavernier Shines Brightest

James Tavernier was the undisputed man of the match, his hat-trick not only boosting his goal tally but also providing three assists. The skipper's vision and delivery from the right flank were pivotal, creating chaos in Queen's Park's backline. R. Naderi's brace demonstrated his growing importance as a forward option, while B. Miovski's late strike showed the squad's depth.

Defensively, Rangers were solid, with minimal chances conceded. Queen's Park's attack, hampered by poor concentration, failed to test the Gers' keeper. Crighton admitted post-match that his side got the 'basics wrong all over the pitch,' particularly on set plays where Rangers scored three times.

Post-Match Reactions: Relief and Reflection

Rangers head coach Danny Rohl was effusive in his praise during his BBC Scotland interview. 'I'm very happy and pleased for my group,' he said. 'You never know what will happen in a cup game, but we took it seriously and did our job professionally.' Rohl highlighted the early goal's importance and his team's ability to break down a compact defense in the second half. He also touched on squad readiness, noting that win by win, confidence is building ahead of a busy schedule.

On the injury front, Rohl expressed optimism about centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez and striker Youssef Chermiti returning for the midweek clash. Even off the pitch, Rohl's enthusiasm was evident—he was spotted getting his hands dirty, a nod to his hands-on approach.

Queen's Park's Sean Crighton, meanwhile, was candid about the shortcomings. 'We didn't turn up on the day,' he lamented. 'The concentration needs to be a lot better. This will hurt for a couple of days, but we need to use that hurt.' Crighton pointed to homework done on Rangers' set-piece threats but admitted marking was inadequate, leading to damage limitation tactics after the first half.

Broader Implications for Scottish Football

This result underscores Rangers' resurgence under Rohl, who has instilled balance and intensity since taking over. The 8-0 win provides a confidence boost before a crucial league trip to Motherwell on Wednesday, where the Gers aim to build on their narrow 1-0 victory earlier this season at Ibrox. Motherwell's possession-based style will test Rangers' pressing game, but with players like Tavernier in form, the potential for another strong showing is high.

For Queen's Park, languishing in the Championship, this thrashing serves as a wake-up call. Their next fixture against fellow strugglers Ross County on Saturday is pivotal for survival hopes. The defeat highlights the gulf between leagues, but Crighton will demand a response to channel the pain into positives.

The Scottish Cup quarter-final draw, covered later that evening alongside Stenhousemuir vs Falkirk, adds intrigue. Rangers, now favorites to progress further, embody the competition's magic—though for Queen's Park, the magic was in short supply today.

What's Next for Both Sides?

Rangers face Motherwell at Fir Park (19:45 GMT Wednesday), a match Rohl anticipates will require high intensity. Queen's Park head to Ross County (15:00 GMT Saturday), seeking redemption in the league. As the cup competition heats up, Rangers' clinical edge positions them well for glory.

This Scottish Cup clash will be remembered as a rout that reaffirmed Rangers' pedigree. With Tavernier's heroics and Rohl's tactical acumen, the Gers are marching forward, one dominant performance at a time.

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