Olwethu Makhanya's late header earned Rangers a 2-2 draw at Tynecastle, rescuing Derek McInnes on his return to the ground where he previously managed Hearts. The South African defender headed home with just a couple of minutes remaining to cancel out Hearts' second-half comeback.
Kevin Kelsy's early goal gave Rangers a perfect start, despite the hosts beginning brightly. However, Rangers produced very little after that as Hearts pushed for a leveller without seriously testing goalkeeper Ivor Pandur.
Hearts' Second-Half Revival
The match turned after the break as Wouter Vrancken's side went after Rangers. Claudio Braga bundled home from close range before Calvin Miller ticked home a smart finish at the back post to put Hearts ahead.
The Tynecastle team were wasteful with chances as they repeatedly broke on Rangers, who struggled to create much in the final third. Braga and JJ Williams were both guilty of missing opportunities, which proved costly.
Makhanya's Dramatic Equaliser
Malachi Fagan-Walcott was penalised for a foul on Findlay Curtis on the angle of the Hearts box. Badredine Bouanani delivered with his left, and Makhanya was stronger than anyone else at the back post, sending a looping header back across goal and in off the woodwork.
With Celtic drawing 2-2 at home to Dundee United, Rangers will probably be satisfied that no damage was done in the end, but it was another less than convincing display away from home.
Player Ratings
Ivor Pandur - 6: Wasn't overly tested in terms of having to make saves. Could do nothing about either Hearts goal, and anything else on target was fairly straightforward for the Croatian.
Dujon Sterling - 5: Was forced to defend by McPake and left a couple of the winger. Needed to be stronger in the second half against Braga and somehow managed not to bundle in a winner with the last touch of the game.
Emmanuel Fernandez - 5: Struggled in the first half, tried to win balls he was never getting, didn't get close enough, and probably should have been booked before he was, perhaps lucky to stay on the pitch. Let Fagan-Walcott go for Braga's equaliser.
Olwethu Makhanya - 7: Kept it simple and made straightforward decisions, unlike his defensive partner. Stepped out with the ball as Rangers chased the equaliser and came up with it himself with just a couple of minutes to go with a really good header.
James Penrice - 5: Did well against Kerjota in the first half and looked strong. A different story after the break, though, was done all ends up and deservedly booked for pulling the Albanian back and was hooked for Rommens just a few minutes later.
Nico Raskin - 6: Early booking seemed to put his gas at a peep. Only really showed urgency as the game entered the final 15 minutes or so, and McInnes would have been looking for more from one of his leaders.
Dan Neil - 5: Neat and tidy but not much drive. Too often caught the wrong side of the Hearts midfield in the second half, and Rangers looked a bit more urgent after he was subbed late on.
Minsu Kim - 6: Wasn't overly involved in the first half. Was moved to the left-hand side when Gassama went off but lost possession cheaply for Hearts' second.
Djeidi Gassama - 5: Derek McInnes wasn't happy with him during the first half and had seen enough eight minutes after the restart. Decision making wasn't good, lost possession too easily, and did little to trouble Hearts.
Kevin Kelsy - 6: Showed a good touch and composure in taking his goal. Was on the periphery of the game for the rest of the first half, spent more time on the deck. More of the same in the second half as nothing really stuck and barely had a sight of goal.
Ryan Naderi - 5: The few times he was involved in the first half, held the ball and linked well. Good work to set up Kelsy's goal. Was anonymous in the second half and barely got a touch anywhere near the Hearts box. Did well to last as long as he did.
Substitutes
Badredine Bouanani - 4: Tested Reus with Rangers' first effort of the second half on 67 minutes, then got booked. Good delivery for the equaliser.
Tuur Rommens - 3: Not much different from Penrice, battled with Kerjota.
Findlay Curtis - 4: Won the free-kick for Makhanya's equaliser and should have set up a winner for Sterling.
Bojan Miovski - 2: One nice touch but that was about it.
Tochi Chukwuani - 1: No real impact after coming on for Dan Neil.
