With Rangers eyeing a second Europa League final in four years and Athletic Club dreaming of a final on home soil at San Mamés, the stakes couldn’t be higher in the first leg of the quarter-final clash at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow tonight.
Here’s a detailed preview of the matchup, including form guides, team performances, key players, managerial insights, and predictions.
Form Guide and Team Performance
Rangers
Rangers have reached the Europa League quarter-finals after a dramatic round of 16 victory over Fenerbahçe, advancing via a penalty shootout following a 3-3 aggregate draw. Jack Butland’s heroics in the shootout secured a 3-2 victory after a 2-0 loss in the second leg. This resilience underlines Rangers’ knack for performing on the European stage, even if their domestic form has been less convincing. In the Scottish Premiership, they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Hibernian last weekend, marking their seventh league loss of the 2024/25 season and leaving them 13 points behind rivals Celtic.
At home, Rangers have struggled recently, losing their last five matches across all competitions in 90 minutes, including the Fenerbahçe second-leg defeat before the shootout triumph. In the Europa League, they’ve lost three of their last six home games (W2 D1), a stark contrast to their earlier record of just four losses in their first 25 home matches in the competition (W14 D7 L4). Despite this, six of their ten Europa League games this season have featured three or more goals, showcasing their attacking intent.
Athletic Club
Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, have impressed throughout the tournament, booking their quarter-final spot with a 4-3 aggregate win over Roma in the last 16. A standout second-leg performance, driven by Nico Williams’ brace, overturned a first-leg deficit and highlighted their attacking flair. In La Liga, Athletic sit fourth, six points clear of fifth-placed Villarreal with eight games remaining, putting them in a strong position to secure Champions League qualification for 2025/26.
Their European campaign has been marked by high-scoring games—each of their last four Europa League matches has seen three or more goals (eight scored, eight conceded). Defensively, they’ve tightened up recently, keeping three consecutive clean sheets across all competitions, though they’ve managed just one goal in that span. On the road, Athletic have lost only four of their last 20 matches in all competitions, but their Europa League away form has faltered, with defeats in their last two outings. Historically, they’ve struggled in Scotland, losing both previous major European visits: 1-0 to Dunfermline Athletic in 1965 and 4-1 to Rangers in 1969, both in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
Head-to-Head
The only prior competitive meeting between these sides came in the 1968-69 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup quarter-finals. Rangers triumphed 4-3 on aggregate, winning 4-1 at Ibrox before a 2-0 loss in Bilbao. That history adds intrigue to tonight’s encounter, though both teams have evolved significantly since then.
Key Players and Stats
Rangers
- Václav Černý: The Czech winger has been Rangers’ standout performer in the Europa League, scoring six goals this season—only James Tavernier’s seven in 2021-22 ranks higher in a single European campaign for the club. Černý has taken 36 shots, the second-most in the competition, including a tournament-high 19 following ball carries. His pace and finishing will be crucial against Athletic’s defense.
- Cyriel Dessers: The Nigerian striker has chipped in with goals, including one in the group stage against Olympiacos, and remains a focal point in attack. However, his finishing has been inconsistent, as noted by fans after the Hibs loss. He’ll need to capitalize on chances tonight.
- James Tavernier: The captain’s set-piece delivery and attacking contributions from right-back are vital. While he hasn’t matched his 2021-22 goal tally this season, his experience in Europe (including three penalties scored against Fenerbahçe) makes him a leader to watch.
Rangers will miss centre-back John Souttar and midfielder Mohamed Diomande, both suspended due to yellow-card accumulation, while Neraysho Kasanwirjo remains out with a long-term knee injury. Nicolas Raskin and Connor Barron are likely to anchor midfield, with Nedim Bajrami potentially stepping in for Diomande alongside Černý and Dessers in attack.
Athletic Club
- Nico Williams: The young Spanish star has been sensational, leading the Europa League with 75 dribbles this season—the most since Bouna Sarr’s 92 for Marseille in 2017-18. He’s contributed four goals and two assists in ten games, though all have come at home, leaving him eager to break his away duck. His duel with Tavernier will be a highlight.
- Iñaki Williams: Nico’s older brother complements him on the opposite flank, bringing pace and physicality. While his goal tally isn’t as high, his work rate and ability to stretch defenses are invaluable.
- Oihan Sancet: With a team-high 14 goals across all competitions, Sancet is pushing to start over Unai Gómez in the No. 10 role behind striker Gorka Guruzeta. His creativity could unlock Rangers’ backline.
Athletic face injury concerns with left-back Yuri Berchiche (calf) expected to miss out, replaced by Adama Boiro, and centre-back Aitor Paredes (muscle) doubtful but hopeful to partner Dani Vivian. Julen Agirrezabala will start in goal due to Athletic’s rotation policy, with Spain No. 1 Unai Simón rested.
The Managers
Rangers – Barry Ferguson (Interim)
Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson has been in interim charge since Philippe Clement’s sacking on 23 February 2025. He’s yet to secure a victory at Ibrox in 90 minutes but celebrated the Fenerbahçe shootout win. Ferguson has emphasized consistency, saying after the Hibs loss, “Five games without a win at Ibrox is just not good enough.” He views tonight as “a massive opportunity” and plans to “take the game to” Athletic, leveraging Rangers’ counter-attacking strength.
Athletic Club – Ernesto Valverde
Ernesto Valverde, a former Barcelona boss, has Athletic purring in La Liga and Europe. His side’s set-piece prowess—15 of their 19 Europa League goals have come from wide deliveries—makes them the competition’s best in that regard. Valverde respects Rangers, calling them “one of the toughest teams in the competition” and dismissing talk of favorites: “It’s a knockout competition. You never have an easy game in Europe.” He’ll aim to keep the Williams brothers quieted by Rangers’ defense while exploiting Ibrox’s recent fragility.
What’s at Stake?
For Rangers, a deep Europa League run offers a chance to salvage a season slipping away domestically. A second final appearance in four years—after losing to Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022—would reaffirm their European pedigree and boost morale amid a takeover by the San Francisco 49ers’ investment arm. For Athletic Club, the prize is even more tantalizing: reaching the Europa League final on 21 May 2025 at their own San Mamés Stadium. A first title in the competition would also secure Champions League football next season, complementing their strong La Liga position. With the second leg in Bilbao on 17 April, tonight’s result will shape the tie’s complexion.
Prediction
This promises to be a tight, entertaining affair. Rangers thrive on European nights at Ibrox, where the atmosphere could lift them despite their home woes. Their attacking numbers—high shot volume and pressing moments—suggest they’ll test Athletic’s recent defensive resolve. However, Athletic’s set-piece threat and the Williams brothers’ dynamism could exploit Rangers’ missing defenders. Both teams have seen goals aplenty in Europe, with Rangers’ six of ten games and Athletic’s last four all hitting 3+ goals. Expect both sides to score, but Athletic’s organization might edge it.
Score Prediction: Rangers 1-2 Athletic Club
Athletic may nick a narrow lead to defend at San Mamés, though Rangers’ resilience keeps the tie alive. A draw (e.g., 1-1) wouldn’t shock, given first legs often turn cagey, but the visitors’ recent clean-sheet streak and attacking quality tip the scales slightly in their favor.
Best Betting Tips
Based on the analysis, here are the best betting tips for Rangers vs Athletic Club:
- Both Teams to Score
- Rangers’ inability to keep clean sheets at home (none in their last six) meets Athletic’s consistent scoring in Europe (13 straight games). Even with Athletic’s recent defensive solidity (three clean sheets), Rangers’ counter-attacking style, driven by Černý and Dessers, should find a way through. This is a safer bet than picking a winner given the unpredictability of a first leg.
- Athletic Club to Win or Draw (Double Chance)
- Rangers’ five consecutive home losses and Athletic’s strong La Liga form (unbeaten in five, with three clean sheets) suggest the visitors won’t lose. Athletic’s experience in tight knockout ties (e.g., beating Roma) and Rangers’ suspensions (Souttar and Diomande out) tilt this in their favor. This hedges against a draw while backing Athletic’s quality.
- Over 2.5 Goals
- The attacking stats align: Rangers’ games average high goals (six of ten in Europe with 3+), and Athletic’s last four Europa League matches have delivered eight goals scored and eight conceded. Rangers’ defensive absences and Athletic’s set-piece threat could push this over the line, even if it’s a 2-1 scoreline.
- Nico Williams Anytime Goalscorer
- His flair (75 dribbles) and goal threat (four this season) make him a prime candidate, especially against a Rangers defense missing key players. If Athletic exploit spaces on the counter or from set pieces, Williams is likely to be involved.
- First Half Under 1.5 Goals
- First legs often start cautiously as teams feel each other out. Athletic’s recent low-scoring first halves (two goalless draws in La Liga) and Rangers’ need to avoid an early deficit at home support a tighter opening 45 minutes, with goals more likely after the break.
Always gamble responsibly and consider all factors before placing a bet.
