Barry Ferguson’s side battled to a 0-0 at Irbox and have set up a date with destiny in the San Mames
Athletic Club v Rangers – Europa League preview
Rangers will have to do what just two teams have managed to do this season – win at the San Mames, if they are to secure Europa League progress.
Only Atletico Madrid and Osasuna walked away from the Basque cauldron with victory as the scale of Gers’ task against Athletic Bilbao is laid bare.
The rousing 3-1 victory over Roma in the last round by Ernesto Valverde’s men on this ground was a good sample of what Barry Ferguson and co can expect.
But anything can happen when Rangers take to the pitch on a Thursday night. The 3-1 win over Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce on their own patch took Europe by surprise.
They followed that up with a battling 0-0 draw with the La Liga club at Ibrox as Liam Kelly made himself the penalty hero.
Repeating the feat would be an even greater achievement in the stadium that will host the Europa League final in May.
The 2-2 draw against Aberdeen has stopped the Celtic title party for the time being. But Gers fans will now be keeping their focus on their last chance for a trophy.
Visitors Athletic Bilbao are fourth in La Liga and have lost just four times in 31 matches domestically, with Nico Williams set to be the biggest threat to the Light Blues back line in what will be a bouncing San Mames.
It’s sure to be a pulsating 90 minutes and Record Sport is here to ensure you don’t miss a moment of drama.
When is Athletic Bilbao vs Rangers?
Athletic Bilbao will host Rangers as the San Mames on Thursday April 17 with kick-off at 8pm.
Is Athletic Bilbao vs Rangers on TV?
Absolutely! The quarter-final second leg will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2, with coverage starting at 7pm and running until 10:30pm.
Can I live stream Athletic Bilbao vs Rangers?
Yes you can. Fans can catch the action on their devices via the Discovery+ website or app for a monthly fee of £30.99. However, there’s no pay-per-view option available from this broadcaster. To sign up click HERE.
Alternatively, Rangers TV subscribers outside the UK and Ireland can watch the game live without any additional charges.
Where else can I follow the action?
You can keep up with all the action from Ibrox right here on dailyrecord.co.uk! We’ll be running a live blog featuring all the pre-match build-up and team news, as well as every moment of the match once it gets underway. After the final whistle, we’ll bring you reactions from managers and players, player ratings, key talking points, and much more.
Ref and VAR
UEFA have appointed Bosnia and Herzegovinan referee Irfan Peljto as the man in the middle. He will be assisted by Senad Ibrisimbegovic and Davor Beljo with Milos Gigovic the fourth official.
The 40-year-old ref has taken charge of a Rangers fixture before, back in 2022. He was in charge for the 2-0 loss to Union Saint-Gilloise in Champions League qualifying.
Team news
Athletic Bilbao are doubtful over the fitness of striker Inaki Williams after he picked up a muscle injury during the win over Rayo Vallecano. Left-back Yuri Berchiche remains sidelined with a calf strain.
As for Rangers, Dujon Sterling (Achilles) and Neraysho Kasanwirjo (knee) remain sidelined with injuries, while Robin Propper is suspended following his first-leg red card. John Souttar and Mohamed Diomande return from suspension while Liam Kelly is likely to continue between the sticks in place of Jack Butland.
