Rangers’ Europa League dreams were ended by Athletic Club as they reached the semi-finals to maintain their hopes of winning the tournament in their own stadium.
Rangers went to Bilbao with belief after Liam Kelly’s crucial penalty save at Ibrox, but Cyriel Dessers was left with a ripped shirt but no spot-kick after being hauled down by Daniel Vivan early on in the San Memes.
John Souttar handed the LaLiga side the advantage when he conceded a penalty just before half-time. Oihan Sancet sent Kelly the wrong way as the home fans erupted.
Rangers lost Ridvan Yilmaz, Ianis Hagi and Leon Balogun to injury before Nico Raskin saw his effort crash off the post as Barry Ferguson’s side fought for an equaliser.
But Nico Williams, a target for Arsenal, wrapped up the win with a brilliant back-post header after a lapse in concentration from Gers captain James Tavernier.
Ernesto Valverde’s side will play either Man Utd or Lyon in the semi-finals, while Rangers’ exit leaves them with nothing left to play for this season.
More to follow…