Danny Rohl’s side found themselves 2-0 behind before producing a remarkable turnaround, finishing with five second-half goals.
There was no reason for Danny Rohl to slip away quietly at Falkirk.
If Rangers continue their winning run and return to secure the title on May 16, supporters might well carry the German all the way from Grangemouth to Govan in celebration.
At the very ground where Russell Martin’s tenure effectively ended — when he was ushered out through a side exit to avoid angry fans following a 1-1 draw in November — Rohl’s team made a powerful statement in the title race, firing in six goals to claim a crucial victory.
There was zero margin for error at the top, and after a shaky opening at Falkirk Stadium, Rangers eventually came out on top in a thrilling encounter.
John McGlynn’s team surged into an early two-goal lead thanks to efforts from Ben Broggio and Finn Yeats.
At that point, Rangers’ championship ambitions appeared to be hanging by a thread.
However, Tochi Chukwuani reduced the deficit just before the interval.
After the restart, Rangers overwhelmed the Bairns, with goals from Youssef Chermiti, Nico Raskin, and Bojan Miovski.
It was an incredible comeback, though they were pushed all the way when Calvin Miller converted a penalty to make it 4-3.
In the end, doubles from Chermiti and Miovski sealed the win and ensured Rangers maintained their strong momentum heading into the split.
The result lifted them above Celtic into second place and left them just one point behind leaders Hearts.
Acid test passed
With Falkirk the only side Rangers had failed to defeat this season, an early kickoff on the artificial surface was always going to provide a stern examination of their title ambitions.
Following wins for Celtic and Hearts the previous day, it was essential that Rohl’s team avoided any slip-up against the Bairns.
Yet after 40 minutes, it seemed they had fallen into familiar problems.
At 2-0 down, doubts about their mentality in a title race were resurfacing, having barely troubled McGlynn’s side once again.
To their credit, Rangers’ response after the break was outstanding.
Once they increased the tempo, they overpowered Falkirk, scoring three quick goals that would have caught the attention of their rivals.
Deploying two strikers made them look far more dangerous, and for a spell, the hosts simply couldn’t cope.
Even after conceding a careless penalty to make it 4-3, they showed resilience to close out the match with two further goals.
Ultimately, in a game they simply had to win, they delivered.
Attitude problem
The difference in approach between the two sides in the opening half was striking and may concern Rohl moving forward.
Falkirk, already assured of a top-six finish after promotion, played with intensity and determination.
Rangers, meanwhile, despite chasing their first title in five years, approached the game at a sluggish pace.
Their lack of urgency was surprising given the importance of the fixture.
They were slow and careless from the outset and paid for it by conceding twice.
This was evident in both Falkirk goals, where Rangers were weak defensively, losing duels and allowing themselves to be easily bypassed.
In contrast, McGlynn’s side started sharply, adapted well to the conditions, and fully deserved their lead.
Although Rangers eventually improved, Rohl must question why it took so long for his players to find their rhythm.
Fernandez fury
During Rangers’ struggles, the reactions of some players spoke volumes.
For much of the first half, too many appeared disengaged, drifting toward defeat in the midst of a title challenge.
However, Manny Fernandez may have sparked the comeback by demanding more from those around him.
The centre-back’s frustration was clear as he challenged his teammates’ lack of intensity.
After Chukwuani lost possession in midfield, Fernandez confronted him.
When the same player was caught out again for Falkirk’s second goal, Fernandez reacted angrily, pointing and clearly questioning his commitment.
Ironically, it was Chukwuani who pulled one back just before half-time.
Immediately after scoring, the team gathered in a huddle, where strong words were likely exchanged.
They then produced a superb second-half display to turn the match around and secure a vital win.
Rampant Raskin
If Rangers are to succeed in this title race, they will need key individuals to step up.
At Falkirk, Raskin did exactly that.
Like many of his teammates, he was quiet early on.
But the Belgian midfielder soon took control and played a role in five of the team’s goals.
There’s a case to be made that Raskin is more effective when given freedom to attack rather than being restricted to a holding role.
That was certainly evident here.
Just before the break, he delivered the cross that led to Chukwuani’s goal.
After the interval, he dominated proceedings, becoming too much for Falkirk to handle.
His precise pass set up Djeidi Gassama, leading to Chermiti’s equaliser.
He then scored himself with a powerful strike to complete the turnaround.
Not stopping there, he later provided a perfect cross for Miovski to make it 4-2 and was also involved in the buildup to Chermiti’s fifth.
Brilliant Bairns
Despite the defeat, it has been an impressive season for McGlynn’s side in their return to the top flight.
In an entertaining clash against title contenders, they more than matched their opponents and contributed significantly to the spectacle.
Falkirk started brightly and deserved their early lead.
Broggio and especially Yeats produced excellent finishes, with the latter curling a superb effort past Jack Butland.
They might even have extended their advantage before Rangers fought back.
McGlynn will be disappointed with the spell after half-time when his team was overrun.
Still, they responded well by reducing the deficit to 4-3 from the spot.
Falkirk boast several talented players, with Calvin Miller, Fillip Lissah, and Dylan Tait all standing out.
Although they lost, they are likely to influence the outcome of the title race.
They will also continue to chase Hibs in the standings.
Having impressed following promotion, and with McGlynn in charge, they could be even stronger next season.