Athletic Bilbao made it into the semi-finals of the Europa League after beating Rangers 2-0 in a dominant display at San Mames Barria on Thursday evening.
Ernesto Valverde‘s side had the better of the opening passages with some slick play to move the ball from defence to attack quickly, and would have been one up if not for a block by Rivdan yilmaz within the first 10 minutes.
The hosts continued their early dominance and had two quickfire chances after some excellent dribbling from Nico Williamsbut the Gers’ goalkeeper Liam Kelly made a fine stop to deny the winger, and James Tavernier blocked a certain goal off the line.
However, one of the biggest talking points of the first half was the fact that Rangers were denied what they considered to be a stonewall penalty when striker Cyriel Dessers was running through on goal only to have his shirt pulled with such force that it ripped across the chest.
The controversy of that non-penalty was intensified when Lehoiak’s Oihan sancet scored from 12 yards just before the interval after visiting centre-back John Souttar clumsily brought down Bilbao striker Maroan Sannadi.
Barry Ferguson‘s Rangers put up a spirited fight in the second period and had some dangerous attacks through the likes of Vaclav Cernybut it was game over when Nico Williams doubled the hosts’ lead with 10 minutes to play.
SPORTS MOLE’S VERDICT
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Bilbao are on the hunt for their first ever European trophy and will be desperate to get through the semi-finals given that the final takes place in their home stadium.
Thursday’s win will be a source of confidence for Valverde’s side, who, despite a not dominating quite as much in the second half, remained in control throughout the match and should have scored more in truth.
As for Rangers, they will now end the season trophyless after being eliminated from the competition, and their trip back to Scotland will be made worse by the fact that they picked up a number of new injuries including a potential concussion to centre-back Leon Balogun.
Interim boss Ferguson will also be disappointed that his team created their own troubles by giving away a penalty at such a crucial time, though he will still be questioning the decision to not award a spot kick when Dessers had his shirt torn early in the first half.
ATHLETIC BILBAO VS. RANGERS HIGHLIGHTS
17th min: Cyriel Dessers (Rangers) penalty claim denied
Rangers striker Dessers has his shirt ripped as he runs through on goal, but the penalty is bizarrely not given.
Oihan Sancet goal vs. Rangers (45+4 min, Athletic Bilbao 1-0 Rangers)
After surviving the majority of a tough half without conceding, Souttar rushes across to intercept the ball, but Bilbao striker Sannadi got there first and is brought down by the defender.
Sancet makes no mistake from the spot having missed a gilt-edged chance just moments prior, and sends the goalkeeper the wrong way with a finish into the bottom-left corner.
Nico Williams goal vs. Rangers (80 min, Athletic Bilbao 2-0 Rangers)
Bilbao work the ball down the right-hand side before cutting it to veteran right-back Oscar de Marcoswho clips in an excellent cross for Williams on the back post to double the hosts’ lead!
MAN OF THE MATCH – OSCAR DE MARCOS
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The long-serving right-back became Bilbao’s record appearance holder in Europe against Rangers and kept the visitors’ left flank quiet as well as laying on an assist for Williams’s goal.
Once again, De Marcos was key to his team’s win and as part of the strongest defence in the top five leagues, he will be crucial at both ends of the pitch if they are to make it to the final and win their first ever European trophy.
ATHLETIC BILBAO VS. RANGERS MATCH STATS
Possession: Athletic Bilbao 56%-44% Rangers
Shots: Athletic Bilbao 22-7 Rangers
Shots on target: Athletic Bilbao 4-2 Rangers
Corners: Athletic Bilbao 6-3 Rangers
Fouls: Athletic Bilbao 15-9 Rangers
WHAT NEXT?
Up next for Bilbao is a trip to the Bernabeu to take on Real Madrid in La Liga this Sunday, while Rangers will face St Mirren at the SMISA Stadium on April 26. In the Europa League, Lehoiak will be up against a struggling Manchester United in the semi-finals, after the Red Devils’ dramatic win over Lyon.
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