Athletic Bilbao powered into the UEFA Europa League semi-finals with a commanding 2-0 victory over Rangers in the second leg of their quarter-final tie, securing a 2-0 aggregate triumph. Goals from Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams, coupled with a raucous San Mames atmosphere, ended Rangers’ spirited European campaign despite a valiant effort from the Scottish side.
The match, played in front of a record 52,114 fans, began with high intensity as both teams sought to seize control after a goalless first leg at Ibrox. Rangers, managed by Barry Ferguson, showed no signs of being intimidated by the hostile environment, with goalkeeper Liam Kelly making an early save to deny Nico Williams after a mazy run. However, controversy struck when Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers had a penalty appeal waved away despite a ripped shirt, evidence of a tug in the box. The Nigerian striker was later booked for protesting, adding to Rangers’ frustrations.
Bilbao’s pressure mounted, and just before halftime, they broke the deadlock. A foul by John Souttar on Maroan Sannadi in the penalty area led to a spot-kick, which Sancet confidently dispatched, sending Kelly the wrong way. Unlike the first leg, where Kelly had saved a penalty from Alex Berenguer, there was no heroics this time as Bilbao took a 1-0 lead into the break.
Rangers emerged for the second half with renewed vigor, nearly equalizing when Nicolas Raskin’s strike hit the post on the hour mark. Despite losing Ridvan Yilmaz and Leon Balogun to injuries, the Gers continued to battle, but their hopes were dashed with 10 minutes remaining. A pinpoint cross from Oscar De Marcos found Nico Williams unmarked at the back post, and the young winger powered a header past Kelly to make it 2-0, sparking wild celebrations in Bilbao.
The visitors pushed for a late lifeline, with Ferguson later claiming his side deserved two penalties—one for the earlier shirt pull and another for a potential handball—but Bilbao’s defense held firm. The Basque side’s dominance was evident in their 56% possession and 22 shots compared to Rangers’ seven, though the Scots showed resilience with a defensive display that kept the scoreline respectable.
For Athletic Bilbao, this victory keeps alive their dream of lifting a first European trophy in their 124-year history, with the final set to be played at their home stadium, San Mames, on May 21. They now face Manchester United in the semi-finals, with the first leg scheduled for May 1.
Rangers, meanwhile, exit the competition with heads held high after a remarkable run that saw them overcome Fenerbahce on penalties in the last 16 and hold Bilbao to a draw with 10 men in the first leg. Ferguson praised his team’s character, saying, “That was a proper Rangers performance. We gave everything, but Bilbao were too good on the night.” The Gers now turn their focus to domestic matters, facing St Mirren on April 26 as they aim to salvage their season.