For the second time in a week, Rangers knew that victory would take them above Celtic and back on top of the Bank of Scotland Premier League.
But this time there was no margin for error as failure to beat injury-ravaged Motherwell would hand Celtic the chance to wrap up the title at Hearts tomorrow.
Manager Alex McLeish was without the suspended Gregory Vignal but was able to welcome the return of Michael Ball at left back following a rib injury. And Shota Arveladze, who will be leaving in the summer, was granted an Ibrox farewell in place of Peter Lovenkrands.
Motherwell were without centre backs Stephen Craigan and David Partridge through suspension and a host of other players through injury.
And that showed on a substitutes' bench that saw just five faces when seven were allowed.