Rangers Crash Out in Spain
The Athletic Club vs Rangers quarter-final clash of the 2025 UEFA Europa League ended in heartbreak for the Scottish side. A clinical display by the hosts saw Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams score the decisive goals in a commanding 2-0 win on the night—and on aggregate. With this result, Athletic Club march into the semi-finals to face Manchester United, while Rangers are left to pick up the pieces.
5 Defining Moments from Athletic Club vs Rangers
5. Dessers Denied Early Penalty
Just 10 minutes into the Athletic Club vs Rangers encounter, Cyriel Dessers was brought down in the box. Though replays showed contact, the referee waved play on, and VAR did not intervene. A crucial missed opportunity that could have changed the tide.
4. Sancet Breaks the Deadlock
The breakthrough came when Oihan Sancet calmly converted a penalty in the 38th minute after Goldson fouled Iñaki Williams. It was a pivotal moment in the Athletic Club vs Rangers fixture, swinging momentum heavily toward the home side.
3. Raskin Hits the Post
Early in the second half of Athletic Club vs Rangers, Nico Raskin curled a beautiful shot from distance—only to be denied by the upright. Rangers’ best chance of the game went begging.
2. Nico Williams Ends the Contest
The knockout punch in the Athletic Club vs Rangers match came in the 71st minute when Nico Williams rose high to head in Yuri Berchiche’s cross. That goal ensured a 2-0 scoreline and deflated any remaining Gers’ hopes.
1. Defensive Wall from Bilbao
In the final phase of Athletic Club vs Rangers, the Spanish side’s defense shut down every Rangers attack. Yeray Álvarez and Dani Vivian were immense, neutralizing Tavernier’s flank and clearing every aerial threat.
Tactical Analysis: Why Athletic Dominated
Athletic Club’s Balance of Press and Possession
Throughout Athletic Club vs Rangers, the hosts controlled possession smartly while pressing high at crucial moments. The midfield trio of Sancet, Vesga, and De Marcos overwhelmed Rangers, dictating the rhythm from start to finish.
Rangers’ Tactical Struggles
In the Athletic Club vs Rangers battle, Philippe Clement’s men couldn’t maintain structure. Their transitions were slow, their midfield lacked bite, and the front line—led by Dessers—was isolated.
What This Means Going Forward
Athletic Club to Face Manchester United
The Athletic Club vs Rangers victory sets up a high-stakes semi-final against Manchester United. With rising stars like Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet, Athletic are no longer dark horses—they’re contenders.
Rangers Must Refocus Domestically
For Rangers, Athletic Club vs Rangers will be remembered as a missed opportunity. They must now turn attention to the Scottish Premiership and rebuild for another European run next season.
Player Ratings Snapshot
| Athletic Club | Rating |
|---|---|
| Unai Simón | 7.5 |
| Dani Vivian | 8.0 |
| Oihan Sancet | 8.5 ⭐ |
| Nico Williams | 8.0 |
| Iñaki Williams | 7.5 |
| Rangers | Rating |
|---|---|
| Jack Butland | 6.5 |
| James Tavernier | 6.0 |
| Nico Raskin | 7.0 |
| Cyriel Dessers | 6.5 |
| Connor Goldson | 5.5 |
SUGGESTED FOR YOU
Chelsea vs Legia Warsaw: Reece James Opens Up on Crushing Defeat and Its Toll on Team Morale
Final Thoughts on Athletic Club vs Rangers
The Athletic Club vs Rangers quarter-final clash will go down as a masterclass in controlled aggression and efficient finishing. While Rangers showed flashes of resilience, Athletic’s dominance in both legs leaves little doubt as to who deserved the win. From Dessers’ denied penalty to Nico Williams’ decisive header, this was a story of missed chances and clinical execution.
