Blunt Rangers ended the weekend six points adrift of Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts as their domestic six-game winning run was halted in a goalless draw at Hibernian.
Following Hearts' victory at Dundee United on Saturday, only a win would do for Rangers in Leith if they were to narrow the gap at the top back to four points.
But Hibs delivered a resolute response to the thumping they suffered in Falkirk last week, earning a result that favours their city rivals in their title push.
David Gray's side will feel like this was a case of two points dropped, given they created the clearer chances, despite surviving a late VAR call when Mikey Moore's finish was ruled out for offside.
In a subdued opening 20 minutes, both teams posed threats from set-pieces but poor decision-making plagued the game's attacking play.
However, the first real chance, an Elie Youan whipped effort that was tipped away by Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland, sparked an intense spell of Hibs pressure.
Martin Boyle then broke through but was denied by Butland in a one-on-one situation, before Youan diverted wide a close-range header.
After the break, Youan was thwarted by a last-ditch block and looped a header over as uninspiring Rangers failed to create, registering just two shots on target.
Desperate defending was on show in a frenetic finale, but both sides would ultimately have to settle for a point apiece, a result that could prove to be damaging for Danny Rohl's men come May.