San Mamés Braces for a Decisive European Night
The stage is set for a nail-biting finish in the Europa League quarter-final as Athletic Bilbao prepare to face Rangers on April 17, 2025. With the tie hanging in the balance after a goalless draw at Ibrox, it all comes down to who can make their mark in the second leg at San Mamés—where the roar of the home fans and recent form could prove crucial.
Athletic are in impressive shape on their own turf this season, especially in European competition. They haven't tasted defeat in seven matches domestically, riding high on a wave of confidence that has San Mamés buzzing with expectation. But don’t count out the visitors just yet. Even though the bookies are backing Bilbao, Rangers have a knack for upsetting hosts on their travels, with famous wins against Nice and Fenerbahçe already in their 2024-25 European story.
Team News and Tactical Talking Points
All eyes are on Iñaki Williams, Athletic’s dynamic forward, who was listed as a doubt due to muscle fatigue. He’s made the squad list, keeping supporters hopeful that he’ll bring his electric pace and clinical edge to the pitch. Athletic will, however, have to do without the experienced Yuri Berchiche, still sidelined with a calf problem.
For Rangers, there’s a glimmer of good news on the defensive front. John Souttar and Mohamed Diomande return from suspension, shoring up a back line that will need to be sturdy against Bilbao’s relentless attacks. Between the sticks, Liam Kelly is the likely starter after his penalty heroics in the first leg kept Rangers alive in the tie. The Scottish side may be on a three-match winless run, but they’ve shown before that they can pull off a result when it matters most.
- Athletic’s solid defense has been a hallmark this season at San Mamés.
- Rangers’ counter-attacking ability might be their best bet given the odds.
- Both coaches are likely to keep things tight early on, knowing a single goal could swing the whole night.
Expect a tactical chess match, especially with the Slovakian referee Ivan Kružliak in charge, known for keeping cool heads in big European nights. Both sets of fans will be watching nervously as every tackle and every decision takes on extra weight in such a finely balanced contest.
Globally, anticipation is off the charts. The match will air on TNT Sports and Discovery+ in the UK, Paramount+ and CBS Sports stateside, DAZN in Canada and Portugal, and Stan Sport reaches fans down under. Those in Spain can tune in via Movistar Liga de Campeones. With San Mamés also set to host the Europa League final in May, the stakes couldn't be higher for Athletic—progression would mean more than just a place in the semis, it would supercharge their hopes of lifting a European trophy on home soil.
Apr, 18 2025