By KBC Associate 
Match Preview for Athletic Bilbao v Rangers
Rangers’ remarkable rearguard action at Ibrox last week means they are still very much in the tie against Athletic Bilbao.
Having been reduced to 10 men following the 13th-minute dismissal of Robin Propper for a poor challenge on Inaki Williams, Rangers held the Basque side at bay for the remainder of a goalless encounter, thanks in part to a wonderful display from goalkeeper Liam Kelly.
Kelly excelled throughout having been chosen ahead of Jack Butland with his crowning moment the late penalty save from Alex Berenguer.
⛔️ | @liamm_kelly #UEL pic.twitter.com/r6PomCSBU1
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) April 15, 2025
Rangers showed their determination once again at the weekend in a 2-2 draw at Aberdeen. Ross McCausland’s red card five minutes before halftime put them on the back foot and the game appeared to have gone when Aberdeen moved 2-0 up four minutes later. But second half goals from Hamza Igamane and Ianis Hagi saw them claim a 2-2 draw and delay the title party for arch-rivals Celtic.
Athletic have had few such issues over recent weeks and cemented fourth place in La Liga with a 3-1 win over Rayo Vallecano at the weekend.
Ernesto Valverde’s side have lost just one of their last 22 league games and appear a sure bet to be playing Champions League football next season.
And former Athletic winger Ibai Gomez does not see Rangers causing too much of a threat at San Mames – the venue for this year’s Europa League final.
He said: “Athletic should approach the match with Rangers with maximum confidence. When you’re an Athletic fan, you know that on these kinds of nights, San Mames is usually decisive. And the players know it too.
“This is a squad with players who have a lot of confidence and who lifted a weight off their shoulders last year by winning the Copa del Rey.
“Forget the fact the final will be at San Mames – it has nothing to do with it. That can help on the day of the final, but until we get there, it’s simply an extra motivation. It can actually be a burden because people don’t appreciate the difficulty of reaching the final.
“And Rangers are going to be a very difficult team to play against.
“In the first leg, they showed they defend their penalty area very well and counter-attack very effectively. Athletic are playing a team who won’t be afraid. We’re facing a very tough tie, but I hope and trust that San Mames will be decisive.”