Athletic Bilbao welcome Rangers to San Mamés for the second leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final, with the tie hanging in the balance following a goalless first leg in Glasgow. Despite being reduced to ten men early on, Rangers displayed remarkable resilience to hold off the Spanish side and keep their semi-final hopes alive.
The Scottish side once again showed their grit in domestic action, coming from behind to draw at Aberdeen despite another red card setback. Manager Barry Ferguson will be counting on that same level of determination in Bilbao as they face one of their toughest tests yet in a stadium that could soon host the Europa League final itself.
Bilbao has long considered this season their golden opportunity, especially with the final set to be played on their home turf. With a passionate crowd behind them and a trophy within touching distance, the pressure and the motivation are immense.
Odds and Betting Overview
The oddsmakers heavily favor Athletic Club, with their qualification odds now shortened even further after the draw in Glasgow. Rangers are significant underdogs, both to win on the night and to progress overall. Still, with their strong counterattacking game, they’re capable of springing a surprise if they maintain discipline and composure.
Tactical Outlook & Key Players
Rangers will likely opt for a compact, defensive approach again, relying on quick transitions and pace out wide to unsettle Bilbao. Vaclav Cerny has been particularly effective in these situations and remains one to watch.
For the hosts, Nico Williams will be eager to make an impact after a quiet first leg. He found the net in La Liga action last weekend and could pose a serious threat to Rangers’ backline, especially if Inaki Williams isn’t fit to start.
Team News & Probable Line-ups
Athletic Bilbao have injury concerns, with Inaki Williams a doubt and left-back Yuri Berchiche expected to miss out. Meanwhile, Rangers are buoyed by the return of John Souttar and Mohamed Diomande from suspension, though Robin Propper is ruled out after his red card in the first leg, and Dujon Sterling remains sidelined.
Athletic Bilbao (Predicted XI):
Agirrezabala, Vivian, Alvarez, Lekue, De Marcos, Sancet, Berenguer, N. Williams, Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar, Sannadi.
Rangers (Predicted XI):
Kelly, Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun, Yilmaz, Raskin, Diomande, Barron, Cerny, Hagi, Dessers.
Final Prediction & Betting Tips
This second leg could mirror the cautious tone of the first, especially if Rangers sit deep and look to frustrate. With defensive setups on both sides and the stakes higher than ever, goals may be limited.
- Prediction: Athletic Bilbao 1-0 Rangers
- Top Tips:
- Under 2.5 goals
- Both Teams to Score – No
- Bilbao to win in 90 minutes
- Over 10.5 corners
- Cyriel Dessers to register a shot on target
