In a thrilling encounter at San Mames, Athletic Bilbao and Rangers are set to clash in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday night, with both teams eager to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Following a tense 0-0 draw in the first leg at Ibrox, where Rangers played with ten men for nearly 80 minutes, the stakes couldn't be higher for both sides.
Last week, Rangers managed to hold Athletic Bilbao to a stalemate despite being reduced to ten men early in the match. The Gers' defensive resilience was on full display, but they will need to be even sharper as they travel to Spain, where Athletic holds a significant home advantage. The La Liga side is currently favored to win this crucial match, with odds of 1/3 (1.33) against Rangers' 7/1 (8.00) to take the victory.
Rangers, under the guidance of Barry Ferguson, have shown remarkable resolve in recent matches. They salvaged a 2-2 draw against Aberdeen last Sunday, coming back from two goals down, which showcased their fighting spirit. Ferguson made nine changes to his lineup for that match, clearly prioritizing the upcoming clash in Bilbao. This tactical shift reflects his focus on advancing in the Europa League, a competition that has become increasingly vital for the club.
As the teams gear up for the match, the players are feeling the pressure. Athletic Bilbao's star winger, Nico Williams, who has been in fine form, scored all four of his Europa League goals at San Mames. His home advantage makes him a player to watch, and he's expected to play a crucial role in breaking down the Rangers defense. Williams has been particularly effective at home, boasting an impressive shot accuracy that could trouble the Rangers backline.
On the other hand, Rangers will look to capitalize on their own attacking threats. Vaclav Cerny, who has been a standout performer for the Gers, is priced at 5/1 (6.00) to score anytime, while Cyriel Dessers, who has netted three goals in the competition, is also expected to be a key figure in the attack, with odds of 10/3 (4.33) for a goal.
However, the match won't be without its controversies. In the first leg, Rangers' Cyriel Dessers was incensed when he was denied a penalty after being brought down in the box, showing the referee his ripped shirt in protest. This incident added to the tension between the two teams and set the stage for a fiery second leg.
Both managers have acknowledged the importance of this match. Ferguson has expressed confidence in his team's ability to defend and counter-attack effectively, particularly given their strong away form in the competition, where they have only lost once in their last eight matches. He noted, "We showed great character against Aberdeen, and we need to carry that momentum into this game. Our defense will be key, but we also need to take our chances when they come."
Meanwhile, Athletic's coach has emphasized the need for his players to capitalize on their home advantage. "We have a strong record at San Mames, and our fans will be behind us. We need to start strong and put Rangers under pressure from the outset," he stated in a pre-match press conference.
The match is set to kick off at 8 PM local time and will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2, with streaming available on their discovery+ service. Fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an intense and closely contested match, with both teams having everything to play for.
As the clock ticks down to kick-off, the tension is palpable. Can Rangers pull off a stunning upset and advance to the semi-finals, or will Athletic Bilbao's quality and home advantage prove too much for the Scottish side? One thing is for sure: this match will be a defining moment for both clubs as they chase European glory.
With both teams at the top of their game, and the stakes so high, expect a match filled with drama, skill, and perhaps a few surprises along the way. The road to the Europa League semi-finals is fraught with challenges, and tonight, only one team will emerge victorious.
