IBROX, SCOTLAND — Rangers fight hard to hold Athletic Club to goalless draw for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday, April 17, 2025. This match was particularly tough for Rangers after defender Robin Propper receive early red card, but goalkeeper Liam Kelly save crucial late penalty to keep the tie level.
Despite struggling in the Scottish Premiership, where they sit 15 points behind rivals Celtic and already out of both the Scottish Cup and League Cup, Rangers have shown resilience in Europe this season. The team aim to advance to the semi-finals against tough competition even though many pundits predicted them to struggle based on their current form.
Rangers dropped into the Europa League after failing to advance from the Champions League, losing to Dynamo Kyiv. Nevertheless, they managed to perform well during the league phase of the Europa League, facing four of the top eight teams that qualified automatically. They recorded impressive draws with Tottenham Hotspur and near win against Manchester United, alongside a mixed bag of results including a loss to Lyon, and victories against Malmö and OGC Nice, as well as securing home wins against FCSB and Union SG.
After Barry Ferguson took over as interim manager, the team showcased determination, notably achieving a commendable 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce in Istanbul, followed by a tense penalty shootout to progress despite a 2-0 home defeat. Under his management, Ferguson has opted for a tactical shift to a back five which has strengthened their defense and allowed them to absorb pressure from their opponents effectively.
This shift has also enhanced their counter-attacking strategy; while Rangers typically dominate possession in domestic play, they have recognized the advantages of exploiting opponents’ defensive gaps in European matches. In the Premiership, Rangers struggled with their back four, conceding at least two goals in every game since Ferguson took charge, while their European average stands at just one goal per match.
Ferguson expressed pride in his players’ adaptability to the new tactical system and emphasized the importance of preparation for the second leg in Bilbao. “I am excited about going, but I’m also respectful. It’s going to be tough for us,” he stated. “The main thing for me last Thursday was making sure we were still in the tie. The guys deserved to still be in the tie.”
As Rangers look forward to the second leg, Athletic Club, who recently defeated Rayo Vallecano 3-1, will be keen to solidify their standings in La Liga and showcase their own ambitions in the Europa League. This competitive atmosphere is intensified with Athletic viewed as favorites by many fans and commentators for this season’s Europa League title, especially with the final set to be held in their home stadium.
However, Athletic might face challenges with the fitness of forward Iñaki Williams, who had to leave the field due to a hamstring strain late in their previous match. His condition will be crucial as they prepare to confront Rangers in the decisive second leg.
