The league champions were comfortable in victory and even though they didn’t unfurl the league flag pre-match, they proved their champions credentials from the start.
However, as Rangers eased through the game it was the substitutes who added to the scoresheet after the opener.
Ianis Hagi fired high into the net after eight minutes to give Rangers the advantage from James Tavernier’s free-kick delivery, but the Romanian was an early withdrawal after half an hour with an ankle issue following a poor challenge from Livingston loanee from Liverpool Adam Lewis.
The change didn’t hold Rangers back, but did take time to adjust in remainder of the first half, but that changed in the second half.
Scott Wright, on for Hagi fired a volley over after the restart and though Rangers had plenty of the ball, the pre-season trait of lacking in the final third forced the home support to wait – but their patience was rewarded by Wright.
Attacking from the restart the winger set the tone for the season and struck what will become a goal of the season contender this early in the campaign with a half-volley, cutting across the ball with the outside of his boot that curled beyond Max Stryjcek and confirmed Rangers win.
His fellow substitute Kemar Roofe, on for Fashion Sakala who could not add to his debut strike, pounced on a loose ball in injury time to make it three.
Here is how the Rangers players rated in the victory. Next up is Malmo, away, on Tuesday.

. GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MAY 02: Rangers Manager Steven Gerrard celebrates Rangers going 4-1 ahead during a Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Park, on May 02, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
Rangers made a winning start to the season. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group

. Jon McLaughlin - 6
Surprise selection ahead of Allan McGregor but Steven Gerrard trusts the pair equally. Had very little to do en route to another clean sheet - he registered 12 in 14 appearances last term. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group

. James Tavernier - 7
Got forward at will and set up the opener. Rangers ploughed down the right in the second half with the captain heavily involved. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group

5. Leon Balogun - 7
Strolled though the 90 minutes, and strolled up the pitch at times to break the lines. Tucked in to cover Bassey at other times and completely assured at the back. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group

6. Ianis Hagi - 7
Season opener from the Romanian and bright opening, but he had to be substituted after half an hour with an ankle injury picked up after crude lunge by Adam Lewis. Enforced change took sting from the game. Photo: VIRGINIE LEFOUR

7. Glen Kamara - 8
Rangers had 75 per cent possession for the first half and Kamara was central to much of it, in all areas of the pitch. Interceptions and recycling the ball, he'll be missed in Malmo. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group

8. Steven Davis - 7
And his midfield colleague also contributed heavily in that interval statistic. Typically efficient. Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group