Resilient Rangers Hold Athletic Club in Europa League Quarter-Final Amid Fan Tensions

A ten-man Rangers FC delivered a gritty defensive masterclass to secure a 0-0 draw against Athletic Club in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final at Ibrox Stadium on Thursday, keeping their semi-final hopes alive despite early adversity. The match, played in front of a raucous home crowd, unfolded against a backdrop of simmering tensions between the club’s management and its supporters over the removal of fan displays—a decision critics argue reflects a strained relationship with the loyal fanbase.

Match Highlights: Kelly’s Heroics and Propper’s Red Card Rangers’ task became monumental in the 13th minute when defender Robin Pröpper was sent off for a reckless challenge on Athletic’s Iñaki Williams. Reduced to 10 men for 77 minutes, the Scottish side leaned on a reorganized defense and goalkeeper Liam Kelly, who replaced under-fire No. 1 Jack Butland in a bold pregame decision by interim manager Barry Ferguson. Kelly rose to the occasion, saving a second-half penalty from Alex Berenguer and making critical stops to deny Maroan Sannadi and Oihan Sancet.

Athletic Club, unbeaten in their last 10 Europa League matches before Thursday, dominated possession but struggled to break down Rangers’ disciplined backline. The visitors’ frustrations deepened when a late goal by Berenguer was disallowed for offside after a VAR review.

Fan Discontent Shadows European Campaign The match occurred amid growing discontent over the club’s decision to remove fan-created banners and flags from Ibrox Stadium ahead of the clash. Local businesses and supporter groups criticized the move as heavy-handed, with some accusing management of undermining the club’s storied connection to its community[^context].

Despite the controversy, the Ibrox faithful rallied behind their team, generating an electric atmosphere that players credited for their resilience. “The crowd carried us through,” said Kelly post-match. “When you’re down to 10 men that early, you need every voice behind you.”

What’s Next: A Decisive Second Leg in Bilbao The tie remains finely poised ahead of next Thursday’s second leg at San Mamés Stadium, where Athletic Club will aim to leverage home advantage. Rangers, seeking their third Europa League final appearance, must overcome a Spanish side that has drawn three consecutive matches 0-0.

For Athletic, the stakes are even higher: A place in the final would mean competing in their home stadium, as Bilbao’s San Mamés is set to host the Europa League final on May 21.

Manager Reactions Barry Ferguson praised his team’s “character and discipline” post-match, while Athletic’s Ernesto Valverde lamented missed opportunities: “We controlled the game but lacked precision. The tie is open, but we know our fans will push us in Bilbao”.

As the clubs prepare for the return leg, Rangers’ European pedigree—they’ve won five of their last six two-legged ties in the competition—will face a stern test against an Athletic side desperate to make history on home soil.