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Match Preview for Athletic Bilbao v Rangers
Rangers’ remarkable rearguard action at Ibrox last week means they are still very much in the tie against Athletic Bilbao.
Having been reduced to 10 men following the 13th-minute dismissal of Robin Propper for a poor challenge on Inaki Williams, Rangers held the Basque side at bay for the remainder of a goalless encounter, thanks in part to a wonderful display from goalkeeper Liam Kelly.
Kelly excelled throughout having been chosen ahead of Jack Butland with his crowning moment the late penalty save from Alex Berenguer.
⛔️ | @liamm_kelly #UEL pic.twitter.com/r6PomCSBU1
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) April 15, 2025
Rangers showed their determination once again at the weekend in a 2-2 draw at Aberdeen. Ross McCausland’s red card five minutes before halftime put them on the back foot and the game appeared to have gone when Aberdeen moved 2-0 up four minutes later. But second half goals from Hamza Igamane and Ianis Hagi saw them claim a 2-2 draw and delay the title party for arch-rivals Celtic.
Athletic have had few such issues over recent weeks and cemented fourth place in La Liga with a 3-1 win over Rayo Vallecano at the weekend.
Ernesto Valverde’s side have lost just one of their last 22 league games and appear a sure bet to be playing Champions League football next season.
And former Athletic winger Ibai Gomez does not see Rangers causing too much of a threat at San Mames – the venue for this year’s Europa League final.
He said: “Athletic should approach the match with Rangers with maximum confidence. When you’re an Athletic fan, you know that on these kinds of nights, San Mames is usually decisive. And the players know it too.
“This is a squad with players who have a lot of confidence and who lifted a weight off their shoulders last year by winning the Copa del Rey.
“Forget the fact the final will be at San Mames – it has nothing to do with it. That can help on the day of the final, but until we get there, it’s simply an extra motivation. It can actually be a burden because people don’t appreciate the difficulty of reaching the final.
“And Rangers are going to be a very difficult team to play against.
“In the first leg, they showed they defend their penalty area very well and counter-attack very effectively. Athletic are playing a team who won’t be afraid. We’re facing a very tough tie, but I hope and trust that San Mames will be decisive.”
Team News for Athletic Bilbao v Rangers
The only blip for Valverde against Rayo was the fact Inaki Williams limped off with a thigh strain and is a doubt for tomorrow night’s game.
Veteran defender Yuri Berchiche is also fighting to be fit.
John Souttar and Mohamed Diomande will return from suspension for Rangers but Propper is banned.
Dujon Sterling and Neraysho Kasanwirjo won’t play again this season while Bailey Rice will be assessed after suffering a nasty head injury in the first leg.
Nico Raskin, Tom Lawrence, Ridvan Yilmaz and Vaclav Cerny are all expected to be available after being rested for the trip to Pittodrie.
🙌 ¡Llega la esperada cita europea a San Mamés!
🏆 El boletín oficial de la vuelta de los cuartos de final de la @EuropaLeague 🧡
#AthleticRangersFC #UniqueInTheWorld 🦁
— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) April 16, 2025
Predicted lineups for Athletic Bilbao v Rangers
Athletic Bilbao: Simon; De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray, Boiro; Jauregizar, Prados, Nico Williams, Sancet, Berenguer; Sannadi
Rangers: Kelly; Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun; Yilmaz, Barron, Raskin, Jefte; Diomande, Cerny; Dessers
How to watch Athletic Bilbao v Rangers: TV and online stream
Athletic Bilbao versus Rangers kicks off at 8pm UK time tonight. It can be watched on TNT Sports.
It can be streamed via the Discovery+ app.
Stats for Athletic Bilbao v Rangers
- There have been three or more goals scored in total in each of Rangers’ last eight away games
- Both teams have scored in Rangers’s last 13 away games
Prediction for Athletic Bilbao v Rangers
Rangers did remarkably well to keep the tie alive at Ibrox but we think this may be a step too far.
Athletic have quality all over the pitch and Rangers’ form gives little reason for optimism.
Prediction: Athletic Bilbao 3-0 Rangers
