Ath Bilbao Vs Rangers

After an intense and tactical stalemate in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final, Athletic Bilbao and Rangers prepare for a decisive return clash at Estadio de San Mames on Thursday night. With a spot in the semi-finals on the line, where either Manchester United or Lyon awaits, both sides know that there is no room for error in this second leg encounter. The goalless draw at Ibrox has left everything wide open, and both teams head into this match with their European ambitions still burning brightly, hoping to edge one step closer to continental glory.

Athletic Bilbao entered the first leg with plenty of confidence and momentum on their side. Managed by the experienced Ernesto Valverde, they came into Glasgow with the expectation of securing a positive result, especially given their form and the talent within their ranks. When Rangers were reduced to ten men following Robin Propper's dismissal in the first half, the Basque side saw an opportunity to take full control of the tie. Indeed, Bilbao dominated possession, holding over 70% of the ball throughout the match and dictating the tempo from midfield. They were methodical in their build-up and constantly probed the Rangers defense, attempting to carve out openings in what became a resolute and deep-lying back line.

Despite their numerical superiority and tactical dominance, Athletic were unable to break down Rangers. A combination of poor finishing and the brilliance of Gers goalkeeper Liam Kelly kept the visitors at bay. The defining moment came late in the match when Bilbao were awarded a penalty. Alex Berenguer stepped up with a chance to give his side a crucial away goal and a potential advantage heading into the second leg. However, Kelly produced a stunning save in the 82nd minute to deny him, preserving the 0-0 scoreline and giving Rangers a massive psychological boost heading into the return leg.

Back in La Liga, Athletic Bilbao managed to break a string of three consecutive goalless draws across all competitions with an impressive 3-1 comeback victory against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. That victory was significant not just for morale but also in terms of their domestic ambitions. With the league campaign approaching its climax, the three points were vital in maintaining their position in the top four, as they continue to fight for UEFA Champions League qualification. Goals from Oihan Sancet, who netted a brace, and Nico Williams—both introduced as substitutes—were crucial in turning the game around and giving Bilbao the momentum they needed ahead of their crucial European showdown.

Athletic Bilbao are no strangers to European football at this level, having reached the quarter-finals of a major UEFA competition for the first time since the 2015-16 campaign. This season, however, presents a unique and historic opportunity. Should they make it all the way to the final, they will have the chance to lift the Europa League trophy in front of their own fans, as the final is scheduled to take place at Estadio de San Mames. The last time they reached a European final was in 2012, where they suffered a defeat to fellow Spanish side Atletico Madrid. That memory still lingers in the minds of many supporters, and the dream of redemption on home soil adds an extra layer of motivation for this current squad.

The Basque side boasts a flawless home record in this season’s Europa League, having won all five matches played at San Mames. This form at home could prove decisive in a tie that has shown just how evenly matched these two teams are. However, despite their strong home form, a troubling trend haunts Athletic’s European history. In each of their last five European knockout ties where they drew the first leg, they were subsequently eliminated. This record serves as both a warning and a challenge to Valverde’s men, who must find a way to buck that trend if they are to continue their journey towards the final. The last time they drew the opening leg and managed to progress was all the way back in the 1976-77 UEFA Cup semi-final against Belgian side RWD Molenbeek, a stark reminder of how rare such comebacks have been for the club.

On the opposite side, Rangers come into this fixture with pride, resilience, and a belief that they can overcome the odds. Manager Barry Ferguson, standing on the touchline during the first leg, witnessed his side deliver one of their most gutsy performances of the season. Down to ten men for over 80 minutes, Rangers refused to buckle under pressure. They defended with tenacity, remained compact, and put in an enormous collective effort to deny a dominant Bilbao side. Ferguson had endured a tough run of results at home, having seen his team lose five straight home matches in all competitions leading up to the first leg. Yet, the goalless draw against Bilbao felt like a victory in many respects, showing the kind of spirit and fight that has long been associated with the Scottish giants.

Their domestic form, however, tells a different story. Rangers are currently trailing far behind in the Scottish Premiership title race, with rivals Celtic comfortably atop the table and just a handful of games remaining. The Gers sit 15 points adrift of the summit and are unlikely to catch their bitter rivals, making a domestic title effectively out of reach. Furthermore, they enjoy a 13-point cushion over third-placed Hibernian, ensuring their European qualification for next season remains intact. As such, their focus has understandably shifted towards the Europa League, where success would not only salvage their season but also earn them continental recognition.

That focus was on display once again in their league outing following the first leg, as Rangers fought back from a two-goal deficit to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw away at Aberdeen. Down at the half, they clawed their way back into the match and secured a late equaliser through substitute Ianis Hagi, whose 96th-minute strike capped a spirited comeback. While such matches are often draining, they also serve to galvanize teams and reinforce a collective belief that anything is possible. For Rangers, that belief will be crucial as they attempt to defy the odds in Bilbao.

Historically, Rangers have a mixed record when it comes to European knockout ties. While they have not managed to win the first leg in each of their last six European quarter-finals, they have found a way to win the second leg in the last three such instances. That statistic suggests that this team is capable of delivering when it matters most, even when the odds seem stacked against them. It speaks to the tenacity of the squad and their ability to adapt to different game states under pressure.

Rangers also take heart from their recent form on the road. They are unbeaten in their last seven away matches across all competitions, winning six and drawing once. That run includes a memorable 3-2 victory over Real Betis in the group stages of this very competition, a result that helped secure their place in the knockout rounds. That win in Seville marked their first success on Spanish soil since 1962, breaking a dismal run of 13 matches without a win in Spain that included three draws and ten defeats. The psychological barrier that often comes with playing away in Spain has therefore been somewhat lifted, and Rangers will feel that another Spanish scalp is well within their reach.

As the second leg approaches, both managers will be aware of the fine margins that often decide ties at this level. For Valverde, the emphasis will be on ensuring his team converts the chances they create and remains disciplined at the back. With their home crowd behind them and a perfect Europa League home record on the line, Athletic will look to assert themselves early and make the most of their possession and territorial dominance. Expect key players such as Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet to play central roles once again, with their pace, creativity, and ability to impact the game from the bench proving to be valuable assets.

On the other hand, Ferguson will be stressing organization, defensive compactness, and capitalizing on transition moments. Rangers are unlikely to dominate the ball, but they will need to be clinical on the counterattack and remain defensively sound throughout. The form of goalkeeper Liam Kelly will be crucial once more, and the attacking influence of players like Hagi and Tavernier could be decisive in what is expected to be a tense and tightly contested affair.

Ultimately, this second leg promises to be a fascinating battle of styles, philosophies, and mental fortitude. Athletic Bilbao, with their technical superiority and home advantage, will feel they have the upper hand. Yet Rangers, buoyed by resilience, away form, and a history of pulling off surprises, are far from out of the running. With everything on the line, this clash at San Mames is set to deliver drama, passion, and perhaps even history, as both teams look to write the next chapter in their European journey.