Rangers vs Athletic Club Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | UEFA Europa League 2024-25

Ibrox Stadium in Scotland will host the first leg of this quarterfinal tie.

The UEFA Europa League has reached the stage where things start to heat up. The quarter-finals are upon us, and with that, eight teams are looking to win that prestigious title. Rangers and Athletic Club are two of those teams that will collide this Friday in the first leg of the quarter-final showdown.

The Ibrox stadium in Glasgow will play hosts to the Spanish visitors from Bilbao. “The Gers” defeated Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce in the Round of 16 to reach this stage. Despite winning the away fixture comfortably (1-3) Rangers struggled in the second leg at home. The match later went into penalties where the Scottish side eventually prevailed.

Athletic Club also faced resistance in the form of AS Roma. The club lost their first away game (1-2) but came back strong to win the second leg (3-1). Niko Williams scored a brace, helping his side win that crucial game at the San Mames.

Kick-Off

• Location: Glasgow, Scotland
• Stadium: Ibrox Stadium
• Date: Friday, April 11
• Kick-off Time: 12:30 IST
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form

Rangers: W-W-W-W-L

Athletic Bilbao: D-W-W-D-D

Players to Watch

Vaclav Cerny (Rangers)

Vaclav Cerny is finding the net with ease both at the Scottish Premiership as well as the Europa League. He has 11 goals in Scotand’s Premier League and six in the Europa League. The Czech international is presently on loan from Vfl Wolfsburg.

🔜 It's quarter-final week in the @EuropaLeague.#UEL pic.twitter.com/XvRrOFWa8C

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) April 7, 2025

The right winger has also made 22 appearances for the national team and scored six goals. His pace and technical skills have also been lauded by Wolfsburg’s former manager Niko Kovac.

Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao)

Inaki Williams has become a legend in Bilbao himself. The Ghanaian forward joined the club in 2014 and has played almost 370 matches for the club till date. With almost 80 goals for the club, Inaki is showing no signs of slowing down.

🔥 @EuropaLeague mode ON!Let’s go, Lehoiak!#RangersFCAthletic #UniqueInTheWorld 🦁 pic.twitter.com/xIsR1mZUKD

— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) April 7, 2025

When he is not scoring goals, Inaki is also providing assists for his teammates to capitalize on. The older of the Williams brothers has eight assists in the LaLiga this year.

Match Facts

• Glasgow Rangers have a losing streak of five matches at home.
• When Athletic Bilbao are down 1-0 away, they win 23% of their matches.
• Glasgow Rangers score 2.17 goals when playing at home, and Athletic Bilbao score 1.23 goals when playing away (on average)

Rangers vs Athletic Club: Betting Tips and Odds

• Athletic Bilbao to win @2.25 betobet
• Goals over 2.5 @1.95 1XBET
• Nico Williams to score 7/5 UNIBET

Injury and Team News

In the Rangers squad, Neraysho Kasanwirjo will miss the action because of an injury

In the Athletic Bilbao squa,d Oihan Sancet, Dani Vivian and Aitor Paredes are out with injuries

Predicted Lineups

Rangers (4-2-3-1)

Butland (GK); Tavernier, Sterling, Souttar, Jefte; Barron, Raskin; Cerny, Diomande,Igamane;Dessers

Athletic Club (4-2-3-1)

Simon (GK); Berchiche, Lekue, Alvarez, Gorosabel; Prados, Jauregizar; N. Williams, Gomez, I. Williams; Guruzeta

Match Prediction

Despite the home crowd disadvantage, Athletic are going in as favourites against Rangers. Athletic have a strong attacking presence in front of the goal and are known for leading an ambush in the opposition half. On top of that, the Williams brothers are also in good form and among goals. So, the Rangers will have to keep it cagey inside their half while also looking to create possible chances for goals.

Prediction: Rangers 1- 2 Athletic Club

Telecast Details

India – Sony LIV, Sony Sports Network

UK – TNT Sports

US – fubo TV, Paramount+

Nigeria – DStv Now

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