Athletic Club delivered a commanding performance at San Mamés, defeating Rangers 2-0 to secure their place in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals. After a tense first leg ended goalless in Glasgow, both teams arrived in Bilbao knowing everything was at stake.
The breakthrough came just before halftime. Oihan Sancet coolly converted a penalty in stoppage time after John Souttar’s foul, giving the Basque side a crucial lead. Rangers, hampered by injuries and missed opportunities—including a shot from Nico Raskin that hit the post—struggled to respond in the second half.
Nico Williams, rumored to be on the radar of major European clubs, sealed the win with a late header, capitalizing on a lapse in the Rangers’ defense. The victory keeps Athletic Club’s dream alive to lift the trophy on home soil, while Rangers’ European campaign ends in disappointment.
Athletic Club, also known as Athletic Bilbao, now look ahead to a semi-final clash against either Manchester United or Lyon, with the city of Bilbao buzzing as the possibility of a historic final at San Mamés draws closer.
