By IDNN Sports Desk
Published April 18, 2025
Athletic Club have advanced to their first European semi-final since 2012 after a commanding 2-0 victory over Rangers in Bilbao, preserving their perfect home record in this year’s UEFA Europa League.
In a match full of high-intensity moments and one controversial decision, goals from Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams were enough to dispatch Barry Ferguson’s Rangers, who were ultimately undone by missed opportunities and clinical Basque finishing.
First Half: Pressure and Penalty Drama
The San Mamés crowd barely had time to settle in before Oihan Sancet was testing Rangers’ backline. The Spanish playmaker came close twice in the opening 15 minutes as Athletic sought an early breakthrough.
The match’s first major flashpoint came at the other end when Dani Vivian pulled down Cyriel Dessers in the box, tearing part of the Nigerian striker’s shirt. To Rangers’ disbelief, no penalty was awarded—a decision that may haunt them.
Still, Athletic kept pressing. Maroan Sannadi and Alex Berenguer combined nicely before the former fired wide, while Berenguer’s solo curling effort narrowly missed the post.
Just before the break, a rash challenge from Harry Souttar on Sannadi finally saw referee Irfan Peljto point to the spot. Sancet coolly dispatched the penalty, sending Liam Kelly the wrong way and giving Athletic a deserved 1-0 lead at the interval.
Second Half: Williams Headlines the Show
Rangers suffered another blow when Leon Balogun limped off minutes after halftime, compounding their defensive woes. Despite this, the Scottish side rallied and nearly equalized when Nicolas Raskin’s strike hit the post.
The visitors’ momentum built briefly, with Vaclav Cerny sending a dangerous cross towards Dessers, only for Oscar de Marcos to head clear at the last moment.
But it was De Marcos who would later provide the game-sealing assist. In the 80th minute, his inch-perfect cross found Nico Williams, who rose brilliantly to nod home at the far post. The goal ended Rangers’ resistance and sparked wild celebrations in Bilbao.
Post-Match Insight
“We’ve been building towards this moment,” said manager Ernesto Valverde. “We’ve worked hard, stayed disciplined, and tonight it paid off. We’re not done yet.”
Flashscore named Nico Williams Man of the Match for his decisive performance and relentless attacking energy down the flank.
📊 Quick Stats
Athletic Club have won all six home matches in the Europa League this season.
This is their first European semi-final appearance since the 2011–12 season.
Rangers have now lost five straight two-legged ties against Spanish opposition.
📅 What’s Next?
With this win, Athletic Club will now face Manchester United in what promises to be an electrifying semi-final clash. Meanwhile, Rangers return home disappointed but can take heart from a valiant showing in one of Europe’s toughest away venues.