Clement's Cup Fightback: A Turning Point for Rangers
As the team entered the halftime break at Hampden, trailing 1-0 after Andy Halliday’s goal, the mood among Rangers fans was bleak, with boos echoing through the stadium. The first half had started with promise, but Rangers had failed to maintain momentum, leaving them frustrated and vulnerable. It was clear that something had to change for them to avoid further embarrassment.
Rangers' 2-1 victory over Motherwell in the League Cup semi-final was more than just a win—it was a crucial moment for manager Philippe Clement, who faced mounting pressure going into the match. With his side trailing Celtic and Aberdeen by nine points in the Scottish Premiership after just 10 games, a defeat to Motherwell could have spelled the end for Clement’s tenure at Rangers.
Clement admitted feeling nervous and uncertain at halftime, but he also recognized the importance of addressing the situation head-on. "We started the game well, but I felt some nervousness, some doubts at half-time because we conceded the goal," he explained after the match. "We spoke about what went well, and we raised the tempo and the level in the second half to break the wall."
Goalkeeper Jack Butland, who took over the captain's armband after James Tavernier was substituted, highlighted the collective effort that went into the halftime discussion. "A lot of people spoke," he said. "There's a real desire to change things and do better. At this club, we can't give up. We need to keep pushing standards and making sure when we have disappointments, we bounce back."
The second half saw a marked improvement in Rangers’ performance. Just four minutes after the restart, Cyriel Dessers equalized, injecting new energy into the side and shifting the momentum in their favor. Rangers dominated possession, pinned Motherwell back, and created numerous chances. However, Motherwell goalkeeper Aston Oxborough was in excellent form, denying Rangers further goals.
It was Nedim Bajrami who eventually secured the win for Rangers, scoring the decisive goal and ensuring their progression to the final. Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin praised Clement for the changes he made, commenting on how much more composed Rangers appeared after the break. "Let’s give Clement a little bit of credit," Nevin said on Sportsound. "It wasn’t going well in the first half. The manager must have said something, because they looked more considered after the break."
This victory, and the way Rangers responded to adversity, has given the team and Clement a much-needed boost. It could be seen as a reference point for what the side is capable of when they pull together, face their challenges head-on, and show resilience in difficult moments. For Clement, it’s a moment to build on as he seeks to steer Rangers back into title contention and restore confidence within the squad and among the fans.
