Rangers Face a Monumental Challenge Against Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League
Rangers will have to be at their absolute best when they take on Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-finals after the international break. The Scottish side secured their place in the last eight after a dramatic victory over Fenerbahce, with Jack Butland producing a heroic performance to keep the Turkish giants at bay. However, their reward is an even tougher test against an Athletic Bilbao side that has been flying high in La Liga this season.
Athletic, currently sitting fourth in Spain’s top flight, have established themselves as one of the most well-drilled and physically imposing teams in European football. Managed by the experienced Ernesto Valverde, they have a clear identity, relying on a core of talented Basque players who play with intensity, organization, and attacking flair.
For Rangers, this will be a major step up in class. The Glasgow side have traditionally struggled against Spanish opposition, and while history books may recall famous victories over Real Madrid in 1960 and a young Sir Alex Ferguson helping them past Athletic Bilbao in 1969, the modern game tells a different story. The Gers were battered 3-0 by Villarreal in 2018, struggled against Real Betis in the group stages this season, and were eliminated by Sevilla in the Europa League final two years ago. That record does not bode well for Barry Ferguson’s side as they prepare to face an Athletic team full of confidence and momentum.
However, Ibrox has witnessed incredible European nights before, and if Rangers can rise to the occasion, they might just cause an upset. But to do that, they will need to find a way to deal with the Williams brothers—Nico and Iñaki—the two attacking stars that will be central to Athletic’s game plan.
Athletic Bilbao’s Extra Motivation – A Home Final at San Mamés
While reaching the Europa League quarter-finals is already a significant achievement for Athletic Bilbao, this season offers them an even greater incentive. The final of this year’s competition will be held at their own stadium, the famous San Mamés.
Winning a European trophy in front of their own fans would be a dream come true for the Basque club, and they will see this tie against Rangers as a stepping stone toward that goal. The opportunity to lift the Europa League trophy in their home stadium is something that very few clubs ever experience, and it will serve as an additional source of motivation when they step onto the pitch.
That hunger was already evident in the way they approached their previous round against Marseille, where they outplayed the French side over two legs. They also topped their Europa League group, finishing ahead of Fenerbahce, with Iñaki Williams proving to be a key player in their success.
Ernesto Valverde has been vocal about his frustration with La Liga’s fixture scheduling ahead of this tie, believing that his side has been handed a tough domestic calendar leading up to the match. But regardless of any fatigue, Athletic will arrive at Ibrox fully focused and determined to take a significant step towards the semi-finals.
The Williams Brothers – Rangers’ Biggest Threats
If Rangers are to have any chance of progressing, they must find a way to neutralize Athletic Bilbao’s two biggest weapons—Nico and Iñaki Williams. The two brothers have been in outstanding form this season and represent a major threat to Rangers’ hopes.
Nico Williams – One of Europe’s Most Exciting Wingers
Nico Williams is widely regarded as one of the most electrifying young wingers in European football. At just 22 years old, he has already established himself as a key player for both Athletic and the Spanish national team.
His talent was on full display at Euro 2024, where he was named Man of the Match in the final after helping Spain defeat England 2-1 to lift the trophy. His ability to beat defenders, deliver precise crosses, and create chances makes him a nightmare for opposition full-backs. He has been linked with a summer move to Arsenal, with reports suggesting that the Gunners are prepared to trigger his €58m (£48.5m) release clause.
For Rangers, keeping Nico Williams quiet will be a daunting challenge. James Tavernier, who has been instrumental in Rangers’ European success in recent years, will likely be tasked with stopping him. However, Tavernier’s attacking instincts could leave space for Nico to exploit on the counterattack, which means Rangers must have a disciplined defensive approach.
Iñaki Williams – The Experienced Goal Threat
While Nico Williams is grabbing headlines across Europe, his older brother Iñaki remains one of the most dangerous strikers in La Liga. The 29-year-old has been with Athletic for over a decade and holds the record for the most consecutive appearances in La Liga history, having played 241 games in a row without missing a single match.
Unlike his younger brother, Iñaki represents Ghana at the international level, having switched allegiance in 2022. He is a powerful, quick, and intelligent striker who can score from a variety of positions. His brace against Fenerbahce in the group stage demonstrated his ability to take chances when they come, and he will be looking to do the same against Rangers.
Connor Goldson and John Souttar will have their hands full trying to contain him. They will need to be aggressive, organized, and completely switched on for the full 90 minutes, as even a momentary lapse could be punished.
Can Rangers Stop the Williams Brothers?
Slowing down Nico and Iñaki Williams will be key to Rangers’ chances of getting a result in this tie. That will require a combination of defensive discipline, tactical awareness, and possibly another heroic performance from Jack Butland in goal.
Butland was the standout player in the last round against Fenerbahce, making several world-class saves to keep his side in the tie. He will likely be called upon again, and if he can produce another inspired display, Rangers might just be able to keep the game close.
The midfield battle will also be crucial. Players like John Lundstram, Ryan Jack, and Todd Cantwell will need to win second balls, apply pressure, and prevent Athletic from controlling the tempo. If Rangers allow the Spanish side to dictate play, they will struggle to contain the Williams brothers’ attacking threat.
Rangers’ Attacking Approach – Who Steps Up?
Defending well is only part of the equation—Rangers will also need to find a way to score goals.
Cyriel Dessers has had an inconsistent season, but this is the kind of match where he needs to step up and prove himself. Similarly, Abdallah Sima’s pace and ability to run in behind could be useful on the counterattack, while James Tavernier’s set-piece ability remains a potential game-changer.
Barry Ferguson must also decide how much attacking intent to show. If Rangers push too far forward, they risk being exposed on the counter by Athletic’s pace. But if they sit too deep, they might invite too much pressure and struggle to create chances of their own.
Can Rangers Prove the Doubters Wrong?
Most pundits, including Jose Mourinho, expect Rangers to struggle against Athletic Bilbao. The Spanish side is stronger on paper, has more European experience, and is highly motivated by the prospect of a home final. However, European nights at Ibrox have produced magic before, and Rangers will believe they can rise to the occasion.
If they can keep the Williams brothers quiet, maintain their defensive discipline, and take their chances when they come, an upset isn’t out of the question. But make no mistake—this will be one of the toughest tests Rangers have faced in recent years.
If they can overcome it, they will have truly earned their place in the Europa League semi-finals.