Importance Score: 30 / 100 🔵
Athletic Bilbao Clinch Europa League Semi-Final Berth, Rangers Fall Short
Athletic Club Bilbao have secured their place in the Europa League semi-finals after overcoming a resilient Rangers side. Despite periods of staunch defending and fleeting moments of attacking promise, the Scottish team’s ambition to reach the final four proved to be a bridge too far. The Basque club now advances to face Manchester United, maintaining their hopes of securing a maiden continental trophy in their 124-year history, with the final to be hosted at their home ground.
Stalemate Broken in Second Leg
Barry Ferguson’s men displayed fortitude to conclude the first leg with a 0-0 scoreline, having played the majority of the match with ten men. They maintained their defensive resolve for the opening 48 minutes of the return fixture, before a penalty offered the Basques a critical breakthrough. “This defeat is painful, and it should be,” commented Ferguson, reflecting on the outcome.
Penalty Decisive Despite Rangers’ Efforts
Liam Kelly, the hero from the first leg after saving Álex Berenguer’s penalty, was unable to replicate his feat, this time succumbing to Oihan Sancet’s successful spot-kick. Rangers almost mounted a response when Nicolas Raskin struck the woodwork. Ferguson also voiced his grievances regarding two penalty appeals for his team – a shirt pull in the first half and a handball in the second – both dismissed by the officials. Ultimately, Athletic’s superior quality prevailed. They amassed 21 shots in the match, and a total of 40 across both legs, before Nico Williams’ headed goal, the 41st attempt, sealed the 2-0 victory, igniting jubilant scenes at their stadium, affectionately known as ‘The Cathedral’.
Ferguson Laments Lack of Quality
“The commitment was evident, but at times, the necessary quality was lacking,” admitted Ferguson regarding his Rangers side. “My ambition is to see this club restored to its rightful position.” Over the course of the 180 minutes, Rangers managed only two shots on target, despite registering the first attempt in this match – James Tavernier’s free-kick, which sailed beyond the stands. Their objective, mirroring the first leg, was primarily to contain Athletic’s offensive threat, a task that proved increasingly difficult.
Athletic’s Relentless Pressure
Nico Williams consistently threatened down the left flank, once outmaneuvering Ridvan Yilmaz with a nutmeg before the Rangers defender was unfortunately forced off with an early injury. This setback further underscored the necessity for Rangers to absorb pressure. On the opposite wing, Óscar de Marcos delivered a consistent stream of crosses into the penalty area. Maroan Sannadi, a physically imposing centre-forward, who only months prior was competing in the third tier of football, emerged as a pivotal figure on the European stage.
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Penalty Appeal Dismissed and Cerny’s Audacious Attempt
Athletic’s dominance was clear, although Rangers believed they should have been awarded a penalty when Cyriel Dessers went down in the box. Dessers argued he was impeded by Dani Vivian, pointing to a tear in his shirt as evidence. “That was unequivocally a penalty and a red card offense; it’s incomprehensible why it wasn’t given,” Ferguson stated. Shortly after, Vaclav Cerny, spotting a rare opportunity, opted for a long-range shot from 50 yards. The reaction from the Athletic supporters was more amusement than anxiety, but Cerny would later pose a genuine threat.
Sancet Converts Decisive Penalty
Athletic’s attacks intensified and grew increasingly threatening. De Marcos set up Sannadi for a near-identical miss to one at Ibrox. Sancet’s exceptional control manufactured another opening, with Berenguer’s subsequent attempt curling just wide of the post. Then, Sannadi skillfully evaded Tavernier and Yilmaz to present Nico Williams with a clear chance, which he surprisingly squandered, shooting wide with Kelly off his line. However, in the dying moments of the first half’s added time, Sannadi was brought down by John Souttar, resulting in another penalty for Athletic. This time, Sancet stepped up, and Kelly was unable to prevent the opening goal.
Raskin Strikes Post as Rangers Seek Response
Despite trailing by a single goal, Athletic remained vigilant, recognising the precarious nature of a slender lead. Rangers, equally aware, almost seized a crucial opportunity to equalise. Cerny’s free-kick struck the defensive wall, but the rebound was returned into the box, where Dessers attempted an overhead kick. His misdirected effort fell to Raskin, who, from close range, struck the post with his shot. On the sidelines, a frustrated Ferguson reacted with disbelief, then appealed unsuccessfully to the fourth official for a handball against Yeray Álvarez in the aftermath.
Williams Seals Victory, Athletic Advance to Semi-Finals
Anxiety briefly gripped the home crowd when Cerny’s cross narrowly missed Dessers at the far post, and later when Cerny tested Julen Agirrezabala with a shot – Rangers’ first shot on target in the 68th minute of the second leg, sparking renewed hope among the travelling support. However, Athletic remained relentless, determined to avoid any late drama. Vivian’s shot sailed over the bar, and Berenguer’s curler went wide, but with ten minutes remaining, a pinpoint cross found Nico Williams at the far post. His headed goal ignited celebrations throughout the stadium, confirming Athletic Club Bilbao’s place in the Europa League semi-finals.