The Athletic Club strengthens its European dream
The Basque team imposes itself (2-0) at San Mamés against Rangers FC and, with goals from Sancet and Nico Williams, advances to the semi-finals of the Europa League.
The Athletic Club did not disappoint at San Mamés and secured their spot in the semi-finals of the 2024-2025 Europa League on Thursday after a convincing 2-0 victory over Scottish side Rangers FC. This result untangled the goalless draw from the previous week in Glasgow and marked the third European semi-final in the club’s history.
The Basque team confirmed their superiority over their opponents in the first half and faced more challenges in the second half. Oihan Sancet’s penalty goal in the dying moments of the first half was crucial, and despite Nico Williams not having his best game, he sealed the victory in the final stages as the visitors pushed for an equalizer, even hitting the post at one point. Now, 13 years after losing the final to Atlético Madrid, they will aim to fight for the title in their own stadium against the winner of the Manchester United-Olympique Lyon match.
The match started with a fantastic atmosphere and a record attendance at San Mamés (52,114 spectators), with Iñaki Williams ultimately not starting. The game was intense from the beginning, with both teams trying to set a high pace. Ernesto Valverde’s team gradually took control and pinned their opponents back.
Sancet had two good chances to open the scoring, but his efforts were thwarted by the Rangers’ defense. Despite their efforts, the Scottish team managed to contain the continuous attacks from the locals. The Athletic team maintained defensive intensity led by Ruiz de Galarreta and Mikel Jauregizar, preventing Barry Ferguson’s team from having much possession or creating significant threats towards Julen Agirrezabala’s goal.
Rangers FC managed to neutralize Nico Williams through Tabernier, but Maroan Sannadi posed a significant threat to their defense. Sannadi caused trouble for the Rangers FC backline until a reckless challenge led to a penalty kick, which Sancet converted in the fourth minute of added time.
Nico Williams seals the deal as Rangers push
Rangers had to push forward after the break, relying on Cerny’s work to gradually build momentum for an equalizer. Agirrezabala faced more challenges in goal, but Rangers struggled to create clear chances due to the absence of Sannadi and Sancet.
The best opportunity fell to Barry Ferguson’s side, with Raskin hitting the post, giving the Scottish team more confidence. Oscar de Marcos headed a corner kick away, and Agirrezabala made a crucial save from a powerful shot by Cerny.
Ernesto Valverde tried to bring more control into the game with fresh legs as Beñat Prados and Gorka Guruzeta entered the field. However, a well-placed cross from De Marcos to an unmarked Nico Williams sealed the victory. With little time remaining, Rangers failed to find the goal they needed, and ‘La Catedral’ celebrated their passage to the next round.
Technical Sheet
– Result: Athletic Club 2 – Rangers FC 0 (1-0 at halftime)
Lineups:
Athletic Club: Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray Álvarez, Lekue; Galarreta (Prados, min.74), Jauregizar; Berenguer (Vesga, min.87), Sancet (Unai Gómez, min.82), Nico Williams (Djaló, min.87); and Sannadi (Guruzeta, min.74).
Rangers FC: Kelly; Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun (Igamane, min.50); Yilmaz (Barron, min.23), Raskin, Hagi (Nsiala, min.46), Jefté; Barron; Cerny (Danilo Pereira, min.84), Diomande (Bajrami, min.84); and Dessers.
Goals:
1-0, minute 45+4. Sancet (penalty)
2-0, minute 80. Nico Williams
Referee: Irfan Peljto (BIH). Booked Sancet (min.51) for Athletic Club and Dessers (min.19), Balogun (min.32), Tavernier (min.77) for Rangers FC.
Stadium: San Mamés.
FUENTE
