Athletic Bilbao and Rangers FC face off in a decisive Europa League quarter-final second leg at San Mamés on Thursday, April 17th, with everything still to play for following a goalless draw in Glasgow last week.
With a semi-final place on the line, both sides will be desperate to make their mark in what promises to be a thrilling European night in Bilbao. The Basque side are unbeaten in seven matches and boast a strong home record, while Rangers will look to upset the odds and continue their impressive run in Europe.
Athletic finished the league phase of the Europa League with 19 points and have scored 19 goals in the competition so far, conceding only 10. Rangers, meanwhile, advanced with 14 points and have netted 19 times while conceding 13.
Iñaki Williams and Nico Williams will once again be key for Ernesto Valverde’s men, while Rangers will hope Cyriel Dessers and Todd Cantwell can deliver under pressure. Both managers have guided their teams through tough tests so far and will be looking to outwit each other in this winner-takes-all showdown.
ATHLETIC BILBAO VS RANGERS FC PREVIEW
Athletic Bilbao have been one of the most consistent sides in this season’s Europa League. After finishing joint-top in the group stage with six wins, one draw and just one defeat, they’ve carried that form into the knockout rounds. Their blend of attacking flair and tactical discipline under Ernesto Valverde has made them formidable opponents, particularly at home.
Their recent form supports their strong standing, with two wins and three draws in their last five outings across all competitions. The 0-0 draw in Glasgow has given them a platform to build on in front of their passionate home crowd at San Mamés, where they rarely fail to deliver.
Rangers, on the other hand, have had a slightly rockier path. Under Barry Ferguson’s leadership, they’ve shown a mix of Scottish grit and European composure. Their group stage saw them collect four wins, two draws and two losses, and they’ve battled hard in every knockout match since.
Their most recent result—a 2-2 draw away at Aberdeen—showcased their offensive strength but also highlighted vulnerabilities at the back. To progress, they’ll need to be clinical in attack and resolute in defence against a well-organised Athletic side.
The first leg ended 0-0, meaning away goals will not be a factor. The pressure is now fully on for both teams to produce a result.
ATHLETIC BILBAO VS RANGERS FC – PREDICTIONS
Athletic Bilbao Win
The Spanish side are unbeaten in their last seven matches and have a superb record at San Mamés. With home advantage and a more balanced squad, they are favourites to go through.
Draw
The first leg ended goalless and Rangers have shown they can frustrate strong teams. If they manage to contain Athletic once again, extra time or penalties could be required.
Rangers FC Win
Rangers have already won tough away games this campaign and will back themselves to cause an upset. If they strike early, the pressure could shift dramatically onto the home side.
ATHLETIC BILBAO VS RANGERS FC – BETTING TIPS
Athletic Bilbao Win
Athletic’s strong home form and superior European pedigree give them the edge. Backing them for a narrow win in regular time looks solid.
Both Teams To Score
Rangers have scored in all of their last five away matches in Europe, while Athletic have found the net in every home game of their Europa League run. Expect both sides to get chances.
Over 2.5 Goals
With everything on the line and attacking talent on both sides, this could be an open affair. Over 2.5 goals is a smart pick given the attacking stats from both teams so far.
HEAD-TO-HEAD AND KEY STATS
This will only be the second ever meeting between Athletic Bilbao and Rangers FC in European competition.
Their only previous encounter came in the first leg of this tie, which ended 0-0 at Ibrox.
Athletic Bilbao are unbeaten in their last seven matches.
Rangers have scored 19 and conceded 13 in the Europa League this season.
Athletic have scored 19 and conceded just 10.
Rangers have failed to keep a clean sheet in 4 of their last 5 European away games.
Athletic Bilbao have not lost at San Mamés in the Europa League this season.
