In a thrilling encounter at San Mamés, Athletic Club triumphed over Rangers with a 1-0 victory, securing their place in the semi-finals of the Europa League. The match, held on April 17, 2025, saw Oihan Sancet score the decisive goal from the penalty spot just before halftime, capitalizing on a foul committed by Rangers' John Souttar on Maroan Sannadi.
The atmosphere was electric as a record crowd of 52,114 fans filled the stadium, eager to witness their team advance in the tournament. Athletic Club, buoyed by their strong home support, pressed hard throughout the match, creating several opportunities that showcased their attacking prowess.
After a goalless draw in the first leg, where both teams battled to a stalemate despite Rangers playing with ten men for 77 minutes, the pressure was on Athletic to deliver at home. "It will be different to the away match. They are an aggressive team with great players, and we hope the match will go well," Sannadi remarked prior to the game. His confidence was evident as he expressed hope for a win, stating, "We have to take a positive message from the first match; it was a good result. We had a lot of chances. I hope we'll win the match with the great atmosphere we have at San Mamés."
The first half was marked by intense play, with Athletic dominating possession and creating several chances. Sancet's goal came after a series of near misses, including a shot that hit the woodwork from Rangers' Nicolas Raskin. As the half progressed, Athletic's pressure paid off when Souttar fouled Sannadi in the box, leading to the penalty. Sancet stepped up and delivered a well-placed shot into the bottom left corner, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
"I dream about getting through," Sannadi added, reflecting on the team's ambitions. "I don't feel any pressure, neither does the team, even though we're playing in front of our crowd. The win on Sunday against Rayo Vallecano has given us a lot of confidence going into such a big game." The victory over Rayo Vallecano, which ended 3-1, had indeed set the tone for Athletic's performance in this crucial match.
As the second half began, Rangers made tactical substitutions in an attempt to shift the momentum. Hamza Igamane replaced Leon Balogun, who had received a yellow card and was forced off due to injury, while Clinton Nsiala came on for Ianis Hagi at halftime. Despite these changes, Rangers struggled to find their rhythm against a relentless Athletic side.
Throughout the match, Athletic's defense held strong, thwarting Rangers' attempts to equalize. The Scottish side had shown flashes of potential, particularly through their forward Václav Cerny, who had been a key player in their previous Europa League outings. However, they couldn't capitalize on their opportunities, with several shots going wide or being blocked by Athletic's solid backline.
As the clock wound down, Athletic continued to press, seeking to extend their lead. They came close on multiple occasions, with shots from Sancet and Nico Williams testing Rangers' goalkeeper Liam Kelly. The home side's intensity never waned, and they maintained pressure on Rangers, who were forced to defend deeper as the game progressed.
The match was not without its controversies. Rangers' Cyriel Dessers was shown a yellow card for a dispute with the referee, and there were calls for a penalty after a challenge in the box that went unpunished. Athletic's aggressive style, coupled with their home advantage, left Rangers on the back foot for much of the match.
Despite their best efforts, Rangers could not find the equalizer, and as the final whistle blew, Athletic Club celebrated a hard-fought victory. The win not only secured their place in the semi-finals but also marked a significant moment in their campaign, showcasing their resilience and determination.
In the post-match interviews, Athletic's coach Ernesto Valverde praised his team's performance, emphasizing the importance of the home crowd in motivating the players. "The atmosphere at San Mamés is always special, and tonight it truly made a difference. Our fans pushed us to give our best, and I’m proud of how the team responded under pressure," Valverde stated.
Looking ahead, Athletic Club will be eager to build on this momentum as they prepare for the semi-finals. With their confidence soaring and a passionate fanbase behind them, they will be a formidable opponent for any team in the tournament. As Sannadi aptly put it, "I hope to experience a great atmosphere and that will help us come closer to winning." The team's sights are now firmly set on lifting the Europa League trophy, and with performances like this, they are certainly a team to watch.
