Hibs proved to be one green and white team that Rangers could handle as the Ibrox side bounced back from last week's Old Firm humiliation to stay on course for Scottish Cup glory this season.
Goals either side of half-time from Georgian striker Shota Arveladze and flying Danish winger Peter Lovenkrands gave the visitors their sixth straight win at Easter Road and their ninth in a row against Hibs.
The Edinburgh club must now wait at least one more year to enjoy the Scottish Cup success which they have not tasted since 1902 and the result also looks ominous for next month's rematch in the CIS Insurance Cup semi-finals.
Hibs were actually the better side early on, but serious injuries to home midfielder Grant Brebner and Rangers' boy wonder Chris Burke plus a series of petty fouls took away their momentum.
Lovenkrands then crossed for substitute Hamed Namouchi to set up Arveladze for a headed opening goal in the 34th minute, although Hibs claimed fiercely for offside.
But there was no dispute about the second as Lovenkrands stayed well onside to receive a Michael Mols pass before sprinting clear and scoring with a composed left-foot finish.