Athletic Bilbao v Ranger: lineup, statistics, preview
Match previews of Athletic Bilbao v Rangers
The Rangers’ amazing real guard action at Ibrox last week means they are still in ties with Athletic Bilbao.
After 13 minutes of fire from Robin Propper due to Inaki Williams’ poor challenge, he was reduced to 10. The Rangers bayed the Basque side for the remaining goal encounter thanks to a great exhibit from goalkeeper Liam Kelly.
Kelly excels through being chosen before Jack Butland in his best moments, a late penalty save from Alex Bellenger.
⛔⛔️| @LiAMM_KELLY #UEL pic.twitter.com/r6pomcsbu1
– Rangers Football Club (@rangersfc) April 15, 2025
The Rangers once again showed their resolve over the weekend with a 2-2 draw at Aberdeen. Five minutes before halftime, the Ross McAussland red card put them on their hind legs and looked like the game was gone when Aberdeen moved 2-0 after four minutes. However, Hamza Igamane and Iannis Hagi’s second half goals saw them claim a 2-2 draw and delay the title party for archrival Celtic.
The Athletics have had this problem in recent weeks, finishing fourth in La Liga, 3-1 win over Rayo Vallecano over the weekend.
Ernesto Valverde’s team has lost only one of their last 22 league matches and looks like a sure bet to play Champions League football next season.
Former athletic winger Ibaigomez has not seen the Rangers pose too many threats in San Mamez. This is the venue for this year’s Europa League final.
He states: “Athletics need to approach games with rangers with the most confidence. If you’re an athletic fan, you know that San Mames is usually decisive on this kind of night, and the players know that too.
“This is a team with a player who is confident and gained weight off his shoulders last year after winning Copa del Rey.
“Forget the fact that the final takes place in San Mames. That has nothing to do with it. It helps on the final day, but until you get there, it’s just an extra motivation. In fact, it can actually be a burden because people don’t understand the difficulty of reaching the final.
“And the Rangers will be a very difficult team to play against.
“On the first foot, they defended the penalty area very well and showed they fought back very effectively. Athletics play a team that is not afraid. We are facing very strict ties, but we hope that the Saint Beans are decisive.”