Thelo Aasgaard’s second-half finish proved decisive as Rangers edged a thrilling contest against Motherwell at Ibrox to climb into third place in the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers thought they had struck first when Nico Raskin found the net, but the goal was ruled out after Youssef Chermiti was deemed offside and interfering with play.
From there, the spotlight fell firmly on the goalkeepers in a high-tempo match packed with chances at both ends.
Jack Butland was outstanding for the hosts, denying Lukas Fadinger, Callum Hendry and Elijah Just in a busy first half, before producing a superb reflex save to keep out Hendry moments before the break.
At the other end, Calum Ward matched him with a stunning double save before half-time, then flung himself in the way of Jayden Meghoma’s effort and later repelled Connor Barron with a dramatic late stop.
The breakthrough finally arrived on 67 minutes.
Djeidi Gassama’s curling effort was pushed out by Ward, but only into the path of Aasgaard, who calmly rolled the rebound home from a tight angle.
Motherwell pressed hard for an equaliser and felt aggrieved when appeals for a penalty following a challenge on Fadinger were waved away, but they could not find a way past Butland again.
Rangers held on to secure a valuable victory, ending Motherwell’s 10-game unbeaten league run and moving above them in the table, while the visitors were left to rue missed chances in a game they more than played their part in.
Rangers head coach Danny Rohl: "I'm very happy for the group. Except for the first 15 minutes we were good, especially at the end we had so many chances.
"It's about the next game and the next three points. It's a long, long way, a long journey and a lot of games to go. It's about the next challenge we have.
"We are still in the race but a lot of games to go. I think after the Hearts defeat the question was different, today we have this question. I understand but it's about the next game and the next three points."
Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou: "We did everything we could to win, and even at the end when we were 1-0 down we did our best to at least get a draw.
"At times, it was an absolutely outstanding performance. I think we did everything we could and created a few opportunities in the end and also an opportunity that should, any day, have led to a penalty.
"He takes a very smart move between the legs of Fernandez and tries to get past him, Fernandez lets his leg hang a little bit and trips him. I think it's quite obvious."
