Rangers Draw with Hibs as Celtic Leapfrog in Scottish Premiership

In a weekend of Scottish Premiership action that kept fans on the edge of their seats, BBC Sport delivered comprehensive live coverage of two pivotal matches. Hibernian's resilient 0-0 stalemate against Rangers at Easter Road Stadium has thrown a wrench into the Gers' title aspirations, while Celtic's efficient 2-0 victory over Falkirk propelled them into second place. As Hearts maintain their lead after 24 games, the race for glory in Scotland's top flight is heating up. This report draws from BBC's detailed radio, text, and match updates to unpack the drama.

Hibernian 0-0 Rangers: A Frustrating Point for the Challengers

The clash at Easter Road on Sunday, February 1, 2026, pitted Hibernian against a Rangers side desperate to close the gap on league leaders Hearts. With an attendance of 18,227, the atmosphere was electric, but the scoreboard remained unchanged, ending in a goalless draw. BBC Sport's live reporting captured the tension from the first whistle, highlighting Rangers' dominance in possession yet their inability to break down a stubborn Hibs defense.

Rangers, managed by their current setup, entered the match six points behind Hearts alongside Celtic. The draw leaves them trailing, with blunt title hopes now dented further. Key moments included several near-misses for the visitors, but Hibs goalkeeper's sharp reflexes and a well-organized backline frustrated every attack. BBC commentator noted the visitors' frustration, with midfield battles dominating the half-time scoreline of 0-0.

Match Stats and Tactical Insights

According to BBC's match stats, Rangers held 58% possession and fired 14 shots, but only four were on target. Hibs, content with a counter-attacking approach, managed 42% possession and just eight attempts. The head-to-head history favors Rangers, but this result echoes recent stalemates that have plagued their campaign. Analyst on BBC Sportsound pointed out Rangers' over-reliance on wide play, which Hibs neutralized effectively.

Post-match, Rangers' players were visibly dejected, knowing this point might prove costly in a tight race. For Hibs, it's a morale booster, keeping them mid-table but safe from relegation worries. BBC's coverage emphasized how this draw shifts momentum, potentially allowing Hearts to pull further ahead.

Celtic 2-0 Falkirk: Nygren and Cvancara Shine in Comfortable Win

Shifting focus north, Celtic hosted Falkirk in what BBC described as an "expected goals victory" for the hosts. Under manager Martin O'Neill, Celtic secured their eighth win from nine league games, extending their unbeaten home record to five clean sheets. Tomas Cvancara netted his first goal for the club, with Benjamin Nygren adding a second, propelling Celtic above Rangers into second on goals scored.

The match unfolded with Celtic taking control after an early Falkirk threat. BBC's live text updates detailed a first-half save from Kasper Schmeichel on a Brian Graham effort, underscoring the Dane's importance. By halftime, it was 0-0, but the second half saw Celtic's quality prevail. Cvancara's opener came from a well-worked move, followed by Nygren's clinical finish past Scott Bain, who BBC noted "didn't look too clever" on that occasion.

Key Substitutions and Late Drama

Substitutes played a crucial role, with Reo Hatate and Sebastian Tounekti entering to freshen up the attack. A disallowed goal for Celtic—Daizen Maeda ruled offside—added tension, but four minutes of stoppage time passed without incident. Falkirk, despite a valiant effort, tired late, managing only sporadic threats. Former Falkirk manager Ian McCall, speaking on BBC Sportsound, praised Celtic's need for "two or three starters," while noting Reo Hatate's subdued cameo.

Pat Bonner, ex-Celtic keeper, called it an "efficient display," hanging in against a strong Falkirk side before striking at the right moments. Stats from BBC show Celtic with 62% possession, 18 shots (eight on target), and an xG advantage that reflected their dominance. Falkirk's substitutions, like Ross Graham for Barney Stewart, couldn't spark a comeback.

Implications for the Scottish Premiership Title Race

With Hearts six points clear after 24 rounds, this weekend's results intensify the pressure on Rangers and Celtic. Rangers' stalemate means they've dropped points in three of their last five away games, per BBC data, exposing vulnerabilities in their attack. Celtic, conversely, look sharp under O'Neill, with eight wins from nine and no home league goals conceded this season—a remarkable run.

BBC Sport's broader coverage reminds us of the league's competitiveness: Top scorers tables and fixtures loom large, with upcoming derbies potentially decisive. For Australian fans tuning into BBC via streaming, this Scottish drama offers a thrilling alternative to A-League action, blending tactical depth with raw passion.

What BBC Sport Coverage Brings to Global Fans

BBC's multi-platform approach—radio on Sportsound, live text, and video highlights—ensures comprehensive access. From accessibility features to A-Z sports navigation, it's a gold standard for football reporting. In Australia, where Premier League dominates, BBC's Scottish focus highlights emerging talents like Cvancara and reminds of football's global tapestry.

Looking ahead, Rangers must regroup for midweek fixtures, while Celtic eyes consolidation. As BBC continues its unflinching analysis, one thing's clear: The Premiership's title fight is far from over.

This weekend's outcomes underscore football's unpredictability, with draws and decisive strikes reshaping the standings. Stay tuned to BBC Sport for more updates.