Rangers vs Athletic Bilbao: Why the Europa League Quarter-Final Could Go Either Way
As Rangers gear up to face Spanish side Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-finals, fans are filled with a familiar sense of cautious optimism. The first leg takes place at Ibrox on Thursday, with the return leg in Bilbao the following week. Despite facing a team currently sitting fourth in La Liga, there’s a growing feeling that this tie could be more balanced than many expect.
BBC Scottish Football Podcast guest and The Times journalist Michael Grant summed up the general sentiment: “Athletic Bilbao are strong, but not brilliant.” And that could make all the difference for Rangers.
A Familiar Underdog Story for Rangers
Rangers are no strangers to being labeled underdogs in Europe. They’ve knocked out big names before, and their recent win against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce is proof they can rise to the occasion. Just as many doubted their chances in previous rounds, some are questioning if Athletic Bilbao is a step too far. But Rangers thrive in these moments.
Michael Grant put it well:
“You look at it and you would think that Athletic Bilbao would be a step too far, but how many times have we thought that?”
Indeed, this Rangers side seems to relish defying the odds.
Athletic Bilbao: Strong but Predictable?
Athletic Bilbao come into this tie after beating Roma in the last round, showcasing their tactical discipline. They currently sit fourth in La Liga, which is impressive. However, recent performances suggest they may not be firing on all cylinders.
Their last three games were a 1-0 win, a 0-0 draw, and another 1-0 win. While that shows defensive solidity, it also points to a lack of attacking flair. Grant noted:
“I watched their game against Villarreal at the weekend. It was fairly flat to be honest.”
This kind of form might actually suit Rangers, who are known for their solid defensive setup and quick transitions.
Why This Could Be a Low-Scoring Affair
Given Athletic’s recent record and Rangers’ preference for keeping things tight at the back—especially in European fixtures—don’t expect a high-scoring game at Ibrox. This suits Rangers, who can be deadly on the counter and have a solid record away from home in Europe.
“I’m not sure there’s going to be an awful lot of goals at Ibrox. And that’s probably going to suit Rangers,” said Grant.
If Rangers can keep the first leg close, or even edge it, they’ll head to Bilbao with real hope. Their away form in Europe has been reliable, and they’ve shown they can grind out results under pressure.
Key Players to Watch
Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao): The Spanish winger is one of the most exciting talents in La Liga. His pace and flair will test Rangers’ backline.
James Tavernier (Rangers): The captain remains a consistent threat, both defensively and going forward. His leadership will be vital.
Todd Cantwell (Rangers): A creative spark, Cantwell could be key to unlocking Bilbao’s disciplined defense.
Iñaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao): Nico’s brother and a consistent attacking presence, Iñaki brings experience and directness.
The Bigger Picture
The Europa League has often been a proving ground for Rangers, offering moments of magic and resilience. With the club aiming to return to the heights of their 2022 final appearance, getting past Athletic Bilbao would be a major statement.
On paper, Bilbao have the edge. But football isn’t played on paper—and Rangers have a knack for rising when least expected.
