Rangers’ first-leg performance against Athletic Club was nothing short of impressive, especially considering the early red card for Robin Propper, which could have easily derailed their chances. However, the team’s resilience and defensive discipline ensured that they left Ibrox with a valuable 0-0 draw, setting up a tense but intriguing second leg in Spain. Liam Kelly’s crucial penalty save was the highlight of the match, providing a massive psychological boost to Rangers, but it wasn’t just his heroics that earned the result—it was the entire squad’s collective effort, commitment, and organisation that ensured they remained resolute despite playing a man down for most of the game.

The game saw Athletic Club dominate possession and create several chances, but Rangers’ disciplined defending, especially with ten men, kept them at bay. The one chance Athletic had on target came from the penalty, which Kelly expertly saved, and even though Dujon Sterling’s soft handball denied Athletic another opportunity late in the match, Rangers were able to weather the storm. It’s clear that Athletic Club’s inability to break Rangers down was a source of frustration for their manager, Ernesto Valverde, who acknowledged his side’s struggle in front of goal. His comments after the match revealed a sense of disappointment at not capitalising on the numerical advantage, but also a recognition that the tie is still wide open.

Looking ahead to the second leg, Athletic Club will be hoping for a more fluid and clinical performance at home. However, Valverde’s frustration is also a glimmer of hope for Rangers. The fact that he admitted his side often struggles to break down deep-lying defences provides a clear indication that Rangers could have an advantage if they replicate the defensive solidity and structure that frustrated Athletic in the first leg. Valverde’s admission that his side was unable to take their chances despite having opportunities only adds weight to the notion that Rangers can frustrate them again with a similar tactical approach.

The key to Rangers’ success in the second leg will lie in their ability to remain compact, organized, and disciplined at the back while remaining dangerous on the counter. Rangers don’t need to match Athletic’s intensity in possession or try to dominate the game. Instead, they should focus on staying solid defensively and picking their moments to break quickly when the opportunity arises. The tactical flexibility of Michael Beale will be tested, but he has already shown that he is capable of adjusting his strategies to suit the team’s needs, and he’ll need to find the perfect balance between defensive stability and attacking threat.

Valverde’s comments also serve as a tactical guide for Beale and his players. The Athletic manager’s frustration with his side’s lack of clarity in front of goal indicates that if Rangers continue to defend with discipline and structure, they will have every chance of frustrating Athletic again in the second leg. Valverde’s own words—describing his team’s inability to take advantage of their chances—also suggest that Athletic’s vulnerability in key moments can be exploited by a well-organized and composed Rangers team.

Looking at potential tactical changes for Rangers in the second leg, one area that could be improved is the pace and mobility of the attack. Cyriel Dessers, who has been playing a key role in the attacking line, may find himself with less space to work with away from home. To counter this, Beale could look to include players with greater mobility and speed, such as Hamza Igamane or Danilo, in the forward line. Both players have the ability to stretch defences and provide a greater presence in the transition from defence to attack. While Dessers has been reliable in holding the ball up and linking play, the inclusion of a player like Danilo, with his agility and speed, could add a new dimension to Rangers’ attack, providing the ability to counter quickly and exploit spaces left by an attacking Athletic side.

Rangers also have the option to utilize more width in their attack, particularly on the flanks. The use of pace on the wings could stretch Athletic’s defence and create opportunities for Rangers to break on the counter. Players like Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz could be crucial in this respect, providing speed and directness on the left side. Yilmaz, in particular, has the ability to get forward quickly and stretch the opposition, and his attacking instincts could be a real threat in the second leg. If Rangers can maintain a compact and solid defensive shape while simultaneously using the pace and directness of their wingers, they could cause Athletic significant problems on the counter.

Another area where Rangers can improve is in their transitions. In the first leg, they were forced to defend for long periods, and while they did so admirably, they’ll need to be more clinical when they do regain possession in the second leg. With Athletic likely to have more of the ball at home, Rangers must ensure that they make the most of any turnovers and break quickly when they have the chance. Precision and quick thinking in the final third will be key, as they’ll need to be ruthless when they do get opportunities to counter-attack. Given that Athletic will be pushing forward more in search of a goal, Rangers will have to be sharp in their attacking play, particularly in taking advantage of any defensive lapses or mistakes.

While there’s a lot of focus on how Rangers can improve their attacking play, they must also remain solid defensively. The absence of Robin Propper in the second leg due to his red card will be a challenge, but it also provides an opportunity for others to step up. Connor Goldson and Ben Davies have been solid in the centre of defence, but they will need to be even more disciplined and focused in the second leg. Athletic’s attackers, including the dangerous Inaki Williams, will pose a significant threat, and Rangers’ defenders will have to be at their best to nullify them. Additionally, Rangers will need to be wary of set-piece situations, as Athletic are likely to try to exploit these opportunities, particularly with the powerful header of Williams and the aerial threat of their other attacking players.

The tactical approach for Rangers should be based on pragmatism—much like Walter Smith’s successful European campaigns with the club. Rangers don’t need to dominate the game in terms of possession; instead, they should focus on defensive solidity, making smart decisions when they have the ball, and ensuring that they’re well-prepared to hit Athletic on the break. The 0-0 result in the first leg has given Rangers a solid foundation, but they must avoid becoming too defensive in the second leg. They need to find a balance between protecting their goal and being able to capitalise on the opportunities that come their way.

As the second leg approaches, the pressure will undoubtedly be on Athletic Club, who will be expected to win at home. However, Rangers’ disciplined performance in the first leg has shown that they are more than capable of handling that pressure. With the right tactical adjustments, a strong defensive display, and the ability to take chances when they arise, Rangers could secure a memorable result in Spain and progress to the next round of European competition.

In conclusion, the first leg has given Rangers a valuable lifeline, and while the odds may seem stacked against them in the second leg, they have every opportunity to cause an upset. Valverde’s comments have provided Rangers with a clear insight into how Athletic will approach the game, and Beale must use this knowledge to craft a tactical plan that plays to his team’s strengths. With discipline, organisation, and clinical counter-attacking play, Rangers can secure a result in Spain and progress to the next stage of the competition.