Quick Read
- Livingston and Rangers drew 2-2 in a Scottish Premiership match on February 22, 2026.
- Livingston took a 2-0 lead through Brooklyn Kabongolo (14′) and Lewis Smith (55′).
- Livingston’s Cristian Montano received a red card in the 60th minute.
- Rangers equalized with goals from Emmanuel Fernandez (81′) and Mikey Moore (88′).
- A controversial VAR decision denied Rangers a late penalty, impacting their title hopes.
- Rangers are now four points behind league leaders Hearts.
GLASGOW (Azat TV) – Rangers delivered a dramatic late comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against struggling Livingston in a Scottish Premiership clash at the Tony Macaroni Arena on Sunday, February 22, 2026. While the point prevented a defeat, it significantly hampered Rangers’ pursuit of the league title, leaving them four points adrift of leaders Hearts.
Livingston, battling against relegation, stunned their visitors by taking a two-goal lead through Brooklyn Kabongolo in the 14th minute and Lewis Smith in the 55th minute. The home side’s hopes were then complicated by a red card for Cristian Montano in the 60th minute, forcing them to play the final half-hour with ten men.
Livingston’s Early Dominance and Red Card
From the outset, Livingston displayed a tenacity that belied their league position. Defender Brooklyn Kabongolo opened the scoring with an impressive finish, marking a remarkable rise for a player who was in the English sixth tier just last season, as reported by VAVEL. The early goal injected confidence into Marvin Bartley’s side, who continued to press and make life difficult for Rangers.
Their efforts were rewarded again in the 55th minute when Lewis Smith drilled home to double their advantage, sending shockwaves through the Tony Macaroni Arena. However, the momentum shifted just five minutes later when Cristian Montano received a red card, reducing Livingston to ten men and setting the stage for a tense final period. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Livingston goalkeeper Jerome Prior delivered an outstanding performance, making several crucial saves to frustrate Rangers, with Danny Finlayson also making a vital goalline clearance.
Rangers’ Late Comeback Bid
Facing a two-goal deficit and a resurgent opponent, Rangers intensified their attack. The breakthrough came in the 81st minute when Emmanuel Fernandez unleashed a thunderous strike, reducing the arrears and igniting hopes of a comeback. The pressure mounted on Livingston, and in the 88th minute, Mikey Moore drew Rangers level with a deft header from a precise cross by captain James Tavernier, as detailed by BBC Sport.
The late equalizer showcased Rangers’ fighting spirit, but the team’s overall performance raised questions. Former player Kris Boyd, speaking on Sky Sports, noted the team’s struggle to create clear chances despite having significant possession and suggested that ‘the lack of a natural goalscorer in the No9 position may come back to haunt Rangers.’
Controversial VAR Decision and Title Race Impact
The match’s dramatic conclusion was further amplified by a controversial VAR incident in stoppage time. Rangers appealed for a penalty after Mikey Moore was brought down by Cammy Kerr on the cusp of the box. After a lengthy VAR review, the referee’s initial decision of no penalty stood, much to the dismay of the Rangers players and fans. Chris Sutton, commenting live from the arena for Sky Sports, described the decision as ‘a shocker.’
The dropped points proved costly for Rangers in a tightly contested Scottish Premiership title race. While they avoided a loss, the 2-2 draw means they now trail league leaders Hearts by four points with ten games remaining. The afternoon also saw another twist in the title narrative, as Celtic suffered their first domestic defeat under manager Martin O’Neill, losing 2-1 to Hibernian at Parkhead, further complicating the top of the table as reported by Sky Sports.
Scottish Premiership Title Race Heats Up
The results across the league on Sunday underscored the unpredictable nature of the 2025-26 Scottish Premiership season. Hearts now hold a significant advantage, while both Rangers and Celtic faced setbacks. Livingston, despite blowing a two-goal lead, earned a crucial point in their battle to avoid relegation, though they remain eight points behind second-bottom Kilmarnock.
The intensity of the title race has been a recurring theme, with twists and turns expected until the final weeks. Martin O’Neill, despite his own team’s defeat, acknowledged this fluidity, stating, ‘I knew there would be twists and turns this year, it’s disappointing to drop points today but we’re still in there fighting.’ This sentiment resonates across the league, as every point becomes critical for teams at both ends of the table.
The dramatic draw at the Tony Macaroni Arena highlights the fine margins shaping the Scottish Premiership season, where even a hard-fought comeback can represent a missed opportunity for title contenders, while a desperate side can find renewed hope.