Ath Bilbao vs Rangers prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – Play Offs betting tips on match 2025-04-16 19:00.
[p]Three of the four UEFA Europa League (UEL) quarter-finals stood level after the first leg, and one of those was Athletic Club vs Rangers, which finished goalless. It was a huge opportunity missed for Athletic, who played against ten men for over 75 minutes of the game and missed a second-half penalty, but they had no such issue finding goals at the weekend as they beat Rayo Vallecano 3-1 to boost their top-four hopes.[/p]
[p]They seem good value to follow that up by securing the win they need to secure a first European semi-final since 2011/12, especially as Athletic are the only team with a 100% win ratio on home soil in the UEL this season, winning all five games. Winning a sixth such game in a single campaign would be a record in Europe for Athletic, but having been eliminated on the last five occasions in which they’ve drawn the first leg of a major European knockout tie, there’s reason for caution.[/p]
[p]Rangers were reduced to ten men before half-time again on Saturday, although this time they battled back from 2-0 down against Aberdeen to secure a 2-2 draw which delayed rivals Celtic’s title coronation. The Gers’ title chances have long since been over, and they’ve placed extra focus on this competition, where they’re bidding to reach the final for the second time in three UEL appearances. [/p]
[p]To take the next step on the road here, they’ll have to win away to Spanish opposition, something they’ve not been particularly good at in Europe. Before winning away to Real Betis on their last such visit to the country, Rangers had been winless in their 13 prior visits (D3, L10). Their recent UEL form anywhere has been much better though, losing just one of their last eight competition road trips (W4, D3). [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Nico Williams could look to get Athletic off to a good start having opened the scoring before half-time in three of their last four UEL home games. Rangers full-back James Tavernier is on course to post his lowest seasonal goal scoring tally since 2019/20, but any goal could be crucial as his side have won on all five scoring appearances this season.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Only Lyon (13) have scored more away UEFA Europa League goals than Rangers (11) this season.[/p]
[p][i]Written by Chris Wilson[/i][/p]