UEL: Rangers' European Run Ends in Defeat to Athletic Club

Athletic Club secures a spot in the Europa League semi-finals with a 2-0 win over Rangers. Learn more about their journey.

Athletic Club secured a 2-0 win over Rangers, advancing to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals and maintaining their perfect home win record in the competition. The Basque team, seeking their first European semi-final appearance in 13 years, had early chances through Oihan Sancet.

Rangers had a flashpoint when Dani Vivian pulled down Cyriel Dessers in the box, but no penalty was awarded despite the Nigerian's shirt being ripped. The Rangers team then absorbed significant pressure in the first half, with Maroan Sannadi firing wide after good build-up play involving Alex Berenguer and Oscar de Marcos. Berenguer also had a curling strike go just past the far post after being set up by Sancet.

Sancet had a chance to break the deadlock in first-half stoppage time but fired over from close range. However, just seconds before halftime, Sancet scored from the penalty spot after Harry Souttar fouled Sannadi, sending Liam Kelly the wrong way.

Athletic Club are through to the semi-finals! 🔥#UEL pic.twitter.com/6MvcsRoKRG

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) April 17, 2025

The Rangers team suffered further setbacks in the second half when Leon Balogun went off injured, adding to the loss of Rıdvan Yilmaz before halftime. Despite this, they responded well and nearly equalized when Nicolas Raskin's effort hit the post. Athletic Club sealed their win with a brilliant header from Nico Williams in the 80th minute, effectively ending Rangers' hopes of a comeback. The goal came from an excellent cross by Oscar de Marcos.

Athletic Club comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to secure their spot in the Europa League semi-finals, where they will face either Manchester United or Olympique Lyonnais. Meanwhile, Rangers' European campaign came to an end, extending their losing streak in two-legged ties against Spanish teams to five.