Athletic Bilbao secured their place in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals with a 2-0 victory over Rangers in front of a record crowd at the San Mamés stadium on Thursday night. Goals from Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams sealed the win, ensuring the Spanish side advanced 2-0 on aggregate after a goalless first leg in Glasgow.
Played in a raucous atmosphere with 52,114 spectators present, Athletic Bilbao started strongly. Nico Williams tested Rangers goalkeeper Liam Kelly early on, and Oihan Sancet saw a rebound effort blocked by James Tavernier. Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers had a penalty appeal waved away despite his shirt being visibly pulled.
Athletic Bilbao’s pressure eventually told deep into first-half stoppage time. John Souttar fouled Sancet inside the penalty area, and Sancet himself stepped up to convert the spot-kick, sending Kelly the wrong way.
Rangers hit the woodwork early in the second half through Nicolas Raskin as they sought an equalizer. The Scottish side improved after the break, putting the hosts under more pressure, but they couldn’t find a way through.
Nico Williams sealed Athletic Bilbao’s passage to the last four in the 80th minute, heading home an Óscar de Marcos cross at the back post. The final minutes were played out in a celebratory atmosphere as the home fans anticipated the semi-final.
“First half we were a shadow of ourselves. We let the occasion get to us,” admitted Rangers captain Tavernier to TNT Sports.
Nico Williams told Movistar Plus, “San Mames deserves it more than anyone else and [we are] once again closer to the final. Rangers made things very difficult for us.”
Athletic Bilbao, who won Spain’s Copa del Rey last season, keep alive their dream of reaching the Europa League final, which will be held in their home stadium. They will face Manchester United, who overcame Lyon 7-6 on aggregate in a thrilling quarter-final, in the semi-finals.
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