Athletic Bilbao vs. Rangers Tips and Odds – 17/04/2025

• Fixture: Athletic Club vs Rangers
• Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025
• Venue: San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao

Match Preview

Athletic Club and Rangers square off in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final at San Mamés, with everything to play for following a dramatic goalless draw in Glasgow. The first leg saw Rangers heroically hold off the Basque side despite being reduced to ten men after Robin Pröpper’s early red card. Athletic dominated possession and created numerous chances, including a missed penalty by Alex Berenguer late in the game. Liam Kelly’s exceptional performance in goal kept Rangers alive in the tie.

Athletic Club’s Form and Tactical Setup: Athletic arrive at this match unbeaten in their last five games across all competitions (W2, D3), showcasing defensive resilience but struggling to convert their dominance into goals. Ernesto Valverde’s side is known for its tactical discipline and ability to control matches, as evidenced by their fourth-best defensive record in the Europa League this season. However, their attacking trio of Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams, and Iñaki Williams has been prolific, combining for 51 goals and assists this season. Athletic will look to exploit their excellent home form at San Mamés, where they have lost just four of their last 40 competitive matches.

Rangers’ Recent Struggles and European Focus: Rangers have endured a dismal domestic campaign, losing five consecutive home matches before their spirited performance against Athletic. Under Barry Ferguson’s management, they have shifted focus to Europe, where they reached this stage after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Fenerbahçe in the Round of 16. Despite their struggles defensively—conceding in their last ten matches—they remain dangerous on the counterattack, with Cyriel Dessers leading the line. Their gritty style relies on clearances and quick transitions rather than possession-based football.

Key Moments from the First Leg: Athletic had several opportunities to break the deadlock at Ibrox but were thwarted by Kelly’s heroics. Maroan Sannadi missed three clear chances, while Berenguer’s penalty miss in the 82nd minute summed up Athletic’s frustrations. Rangers’ only notable chance came from Dessers, who failed to capitalize on a rare opening. The Basque side will be determined not to waste such opportunities again.

Injuries and Suspensions: Athletic may be without key players Yuri Berchiche and Yeray Álvarez due to injuries, while Nico Williams remains doubtful. Rangers will miss Robin Pröpper due to suspension following his red card in the first leg. Dujon Sterling is also a major doubt after sustaining an injury.

Key Players

• Athletic Club:
  • Oihan Sancet: The creative midfielder has been pivotal for Athletic this season with 14 goals across all competitions. His ability to find space and deliver decisive passes will be crucial against Rangers’ compact defense.
  • Nico Williams: Known for his blistering pace and dribbling skills, Nico could be a game-changer if fit. His ability to stretch defenses will be key for Athletic’s attacking strategy.
• Rangers:
  • Liam Kelly: The goalkeeper was outstanding in the first leg, saving a penalty and making crucial stops to keep Rangers in contention. His performance will again be vital as they face sustained pressure at San Mamés.
  • Cyriel Dessers: Rangers’ top scorer has been clinical in Europe this season and will need to capitalize on any counter-attacking opportunities that come his way.

Prediction

This match is likely to be another tight affair given both teams’ defensive strengths and recent struggles in front of goal. Athletic Club’s home advantage could prove decisive as they look to capitalize on their superior possession-based style against a Rangers side that thrives on counterattacks.

Predicted Outcome: Athletic Club 2-1 Rangers

Betting Markets & Odds

With Athletic’s attacking trio likely to find the net at home and Rangers’ counter-attacking threat still present, expect an entertaining clash with goals from both sides.