The second leg of the 2024/25 Europa League quarter-final between Athletic (Spain) and Rangers (Scotland) will take place on April 17 at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao. The first leg ended in a 0-0 draw. Athletic vs. Rangers: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Athletic
In the first match, the Spanish side drew in Scotland (0-0). The outcome could have been better if the Basques had capitalized on their numerical advantage, which they gained as early as the 13th minute. Now, Ernesto Valverde's team needs to win at home to advance to the next stage of the tournament. Notably, the club last played in the Europa League semi-finals in the 2011/12 season.
- The Basques have not lost in 9 of their last 11 games in this European competition (7 wins and 2 draws).
- At least three goals have been scored in 6 of Athletic's last 8 Europa League matches.
- The club's uncompromising home run in this tournament stands at 18 matches (14 wins and 4 losses).
Predicted lineup for Athletic (4-3-3)
Julen Agirrezabala – Oscar De Marcos, Lekue, Yeray Alvarez, Daniel Vivian – Mikel Haurregui, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Oihan Sancet – Inaki Williams, Nico Williams, Maroan Sannadi.
Defender Yuri Berchiche will miss the match due to injury.
Rangers
The Scots managed to hold on for a draw in the first match despite being a man down. Now, they need to win away to reach the semi-finals of the European competition. If the second leg also ends in a draw, extra time will be played. Recall that Rangers recently reached the final of the second most prestigious European tournament in the 2021/22 season.
- The club has not lost in regular time in 7 of their last 9 games in this tournament (4 wins and 3 draws).
- No more than three goals have been scored in 90 minutes in 5 of Rangers' last 6 Europa League matches.
- Both teams scored in regular time in 6 of the Scots' last 8 matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Rangers (5-3-2)
Liam Kelly – Robin Propper, Ridvan Yilmaz, Dujon Sterling, James Tavernier, Leon Balogun – Nicolas Raskin, Bailey Rice, Yanis Hagi – Cyriel Dessers, Vaclav Cerny.
Defender Robin Propper will miss the match due to suspension. Due to injuries, defenders Dujon Sterling and Neraysho Kasanvirjo, as well as midfielder Bailey Rice, are out.
Referee
Irfan Peljto (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Matches – 14 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 49;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.5;
Red cards shown – 5;
Average fouls per match – 20;
Penalties – 57%.
Match Prediction: Athletic vs. Rangers
I believe the bookmakers are once again underestimating the Scots by offering low odds on the Spanish side's victory. Rangers are regular participants in European competitions and often play in the playoffs, even reaching the Europa League final three years ago. The team is very resilient, not giving up after conceding a goal, making it quite difficult to defeat them decisively. Statistics confirm this: in their last 33 matches in this tournament, the Scottish club has only lost twice in regular time by two or more goals. Even away, Rangers are a formidable force. In their last 40 away Europa League matches, the club has never lost by two or more goals.
Athletic is among the top four in La Liga, but as the season nears its end, they have been less effective in attack: in their last six league games, the team has only won decisively once. Moreover, they have only scored more than one goal once during this stretch. The Basques' issues with finishing were evident in the first Europa League quarter-final match: the team failed to score even with a numerical advantage for a significant portion of the game.
My prediction – Rangers with a handicap (+1.5)