Cyriel Dessers, the Nigerian international striker, concluded his 2024/2025 season in resounding fashion, netting his 29th goal across all competitions to secure a 2-2 draw for Glasgow Rangers against Hibernian. This final match of the Scottish Premiership season, played at Easter Road, showcased Dessers’ consistent goal-scoring prowess, a hallmark of his performance throughout the year. His early goal, assisted by Nico Raskin, set the tone for a thrilling encounter that saw both teams trading blows until the final whistle. While Rangers ultimately finished second in the league, trailing champions Celtic by a significant margin, Dessers’ individual contributions provided a bright spot in an otherwise underwhelming campaign for the Ibrox club.
Dessers’ impact extended beyond the final match. Just days prior, he registered a brace against Dundee United, pushing his total goal tally for Rangers to 50. This impressive feat underscored his rapid adaptation to Scottish football following his €5 million transfer from Cremonese in the summer of 2023. Against Hibernian, his early strike showcased his predatory instincts, capitalizing on Raskin’s assist to give Rangers an early lead. Though the match ultimately ended in a draw, Dessers’ consistent threat in front of goal kept the pressure on Hibernian throughout the 90 minutes.
The match itself was a rollercoaster of momentum swings. Following Dessers’ opener, Rangers looked poised to extend their lead, with Raskin coming close to scoring. However, a controversial no-goal decision, where Raskin’s shot appeared to cross the line before being cleared by Hibs’ Rocky Bushiri, went against Rangers. This pivotal moment shifted the momentum, allowing Hibernian to equalize through Kieran Bowie. The back-and-forth nature of the game continued in the second half, with Raskin restoring Rangers’ lead before Martin Boyle leveled the score for Hibernian.
Despite the draw, the match highlighted the significant contributions of several key players. Nico Raskin’s performance, characterized by his incisive passing and tireless running, was instrumental in creating opportunities for Rangers. His assist for Dessers’ goal and his own goal demonstrated his all-around impact on the game. For Hibernian, Martin Boyle’s equalizer showcased his finishing ability, ensuring a share of the spoils for the home side. Jordan Smith, Hibernian’s goalkeeper, also produced a string of crucial saves, denying both Dessers and Danilo Pereira late in the game to preserve the draw.
While the final match ended in a stalemate, it provided a fitting end to a thrilling Scottish Premiership season. Rangers, despite securing second place, finished 17 points adrift of champions Celtic, marking an underwhelming campaign for the club. However, individual performances, particularly from Cyriel Dessers, offered glimpses of promise for the future. His 29 goals and 7 assists across all competitions solidified his place as a key figure in the Rangers squad.
Dessers’ season-long performance and his impactful contribution in the final match against Hibernian highlighted his importance to Rangers. Having arrived from Cremonese with a price tag of €5 million, he quickly justified the investment, consistently finding the back of the net and providing crucial assists. His overall tally of 51 goals and 16 assists in 109 appearances for Rangers, since his arrival, underscores his remarkable consistency and his value to the team. His final goal of the season, in a thrilling encounter against Hibernian, served as a testament to his ability and provided a positive note to end a challenging season for Rangers.
