Rangers are gearing up for a pivotal clash against Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-finals, with both teams looking to secure their place in the next round. The first leg of this intriguing matchup promises to be a thrilling event at Ibrox Stadium, but it’s the incentives for Athletic Bilbao fans that have sparked a buzz among supporters.
As part of their promotional efforts, Athletic Bilbao is offering vouchers for Europa League final tickets when fans purchase tickets for their quarter-final match against Rangers. The final is slated for May 21 and will be held at San Mames, Bilbao's home ground, which boasts a capacity of 52,061. This incentive aims to bolster attendance for the second leg, set for April 17, where approximately 2,650 tickets will be allocated for traveling Rangers fans.
Rangers earned their spot in the quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Fenerbahce, and now face a formidable opponent in Athletic Bilbao, currently positioned fourth in La Liga under the guidance of manager Ernesto Valverde. Jones brings with them a wealth of experience and skill, making this matchup all the more daunting for Rangers.
However, Rangers find themselves dealing with some tough news as they prepare for this high-stakes encounter. Defender John Souttar, a standout figure on the pitch, will miss the first leg due to suspension after accumulating bookings in previous matches. This absence is significant; Souttar has made 32 appearances this season, contributing to a strong defensive record. When in the lineup, Rangers have won 62.5% of their matches, scoring 61 goals while conceding only 18. In contrast, without him, their win ratio slips to 50%, illustrating his critical role in the squad.
Souttar expressed his disappointment, stating, "It’ll be an unbelievable occasion and I’m gutted I’m missing it but look it’s one of these things, it’s football." His sentiment resonates with fans who recognize the importance of his contributions on the field and the challenging task ahead of Rangers in his absence.
Rangers' record against Spanish teams has been less than flattering in historical contexts—a reality that makes the upcoming match against the La Liga side feel even more daunting. Even well-known figures in the football community, like former manager Jose Mourinho, have indicated skepticism regarding Rangers' chances. Mourinho was quoted saying, "It would be surprising if Rangers got past Athletic," indicating just how difficult this matchup is anticipated to be.
As the team rallies to prepare for the match, they also look to rally their fans. Rangers are keenly aware of the necessity to capitalize on the home advantage at Ibrox before heading to Spain for the second leg. With the backdrop of passionate supporters, the team will strive to overcome this challenging hurdle.
Adding to the disheartening news for the Ibrox club, Mohamed Diomande is also facing a suspension for the upcoming match. His absence, combined with Souttar’s, leaves Rangers needing to rely on other squad members to step up in crucial moments. This places additional pressure on the remaining defenders as they seek to fortify their back line against Athletic Bilbao.
In conclusion, Rangers find themselves at a critical juncture as they prepare to take on Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-finals. The stakes are high as supporters look forward to an intense battle both on and off the pitch. With ticket incentives aimed at encouraging fan participation in both legs of this knockout round and the possibility of a fan-favorite Europa League final awaiting, the ambiance surrounding this match is palpable. As both teams gear up, the anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a thrilling clash between two historic football clubs.
