Athletic Bilbao vs Rangers Predictions & Tips - Gers to Show Euro Class in Spain

Ryan Allan

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Last updated: 16 Apr 2025

Ryan Allan 16 Apr 2025

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Get our Athletic Bilbao vs Rangers tips for the Europa League
Tie poised delicately after a goalless first leg at Ibrox
Gers tipped to score at San Mames on Thursday

Expired

Cyriel Dessers of Rangers FC celebrates after his goal against Fenerbahce in March Photo by Getty Images)

Athletic Bilbao vs Rangers Predictions
Stats
H2H
Athletic Bilbao Form
Athletic Bilbao Team News
Rangers Form
Rangers Team News

Athletic Bilbao vs Rangers Predictions

Rangers can rise to the occasion in a contest that is likely to be more competitive than oddsmakers imply.

I'm backing the Gers to score, with BTTS also tipped to land on Thursday.

Stats

Athletic Bilbao failed to keep a clean sheet in 7 of their last 10 home matches
Athletic Bilbao have seen BTTS in 4 of their last 5 home matches
Athletic Bilbao have seen BTTS in 4 of their last 5 matches (Europa League)
Rangers have seen BTTS in their last 12 away matches
Rangers scored at least one goal in 9 of their last 10 away matches (Europa League)

H2H

Thursday's Europa League quarter-final contest marks the fourth encounter between Rangers and Athletic Bilbao. Rangers claimed a 4-3 aggregate victory in the Fairs Cup in 1969 before last week's goalless first-leg in Glasgow.

Athletic Bilbao Form

Athletic Bilbao warmed up for Thursday's Europa League quarter-final second-leg contest with a 3-1 come-from-behind La Liga win against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. Oihan Sancet's second-half double secured a first win in four for the Lions.

Ernesto Valverde's side had been held to three successive 0-0 draws, including last week's first-leg in Glasgow, before their much-needed victory last weekend. The Lions are unbeaten in seven since their Europa League first-leg defeat against Roma in March.

Bilbao have been impressive in home fixtures, particularly in this competition. Athletic won all five Europa League games played at San Mamés this season.

Athletic Bilbao Team News

Head coach Valverde has been dealt a massive blow with the loss of talented winger Nico Williams. Yuri is also expected to miss out on Thursday.

Top scorer Oihan Sancet is also set for a recall after scoring twice in his second-half substitute appearance against Rayo.

Rangers Form

Rangers make the trip to Spain after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Aberdeen on Sunday. Reduced to ten men in the first half, a much-changed Gers side fought back from two goals down to claim a spirited draw against their North East rivals.

Barry Ferguson's side have found their best form in recent away fixtures. The Gers won six of their last seven road games, including impressive victories against Celtic (3-2) and Fenerbahce (3-1). Rangers scored at least three goals in six of those seven matches.

On their European travels, Rangers are unbeaten in seven of their last eight Europa League games, including three wins picked up from five matches this season.

Rangers Team News

Rangers boss Ferguson will be forced into at least two alterations from the side that started last week's first leg in Glasgow. Robin Propper misses out after receiving a red card at Ibrox, while Dujon Sterling picked up a serious foot injury and will not feature again this season.

John Souttar and Mo Diomande are available after both missed the first leg due to suspension.

Verdict

Athletic Bilbao v Rangers

Only a fool would dismiss the chances of a Rangers side that seems to save their best for Thursday nights.

I'm backing the Scots to score in what should prove a dramatic night at San Mamés.

Rangers Over 0.5

Team Goals

@8/11 - 3 Units

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BTTS - Yes

Both Teams to Score

@20/21 - 2 Units

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