Credit: @EuropaLeague / X

Athletic Bilbao vs. Rangers Europa League – Injury News, Match Preview and Predicted Line-Ups

While Rangers are capable of springing a surprise, Athletic Bilbao will be confident of finishing the job in front of their home fans.

Credit: @EuropaLeague / X

After a hard-fought goalless draw in the first leg, Athletic Bilbao and Rangers face off once again in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final at Estadio San Mames on Thursday night. With everything still to play for, the winner will make it to the semi-finals, where a clash with either Manchester United or Lyon awaits.

Athletic Club head into the match in good form, having returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano at the weekend. That result extended their unbeaten streak to seven matches overall, while they remain undefeated in their last eight home outings. Notably, Athletic Club have won every home game in European competition this season.

On the other hand, Rangers were held to a 2-2 draw by Aberdeen over the weekend and arrive in Spain without a win in their last three matches. However, Rangers did claim impressive Europa League away victories at Nice and Fenerbahce earlier in the campaign. While Rangers are capable of springing a surprise, Athletic Bilbao will be confident of finishing the job in front of their home fans.

🔥 Do your thing, San Mames!

✊ All together!

🆚 @RangersFC
🇪🇺 @EuropaLeague QF
🕘 21:00 CEST
📺 https://t.co/DDMwlZ9ACH #AthleticRangersFC #UniqueInTheWorld 🦁 pic.twitter.com/DfMIhX1ci0
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) April 17, 2025

Athletic Bilbao Injury News

Athletic Club will be without Yuri Berchiche, the only confirmed absentee for Thursday’s clash. There are also concerns over the fitness of Inaki Williams, who remains a doubt ahead of the second leg. Up front, Gorka Guruzeta is expected to return to the starting XI after beginning the first leg on the bench.

Athletic Bilbao Predicted Lineup:

Simon; De Marcos, Alvarez, Vivian, Lekue; De Galarreta, Jauregizar; N. Williams, Sancet, Berenguer; Guruzeta

Also Read: ‘It Shows the Character of This Team, This Club’ – Prouder Than Ever Manager Mikel Arteta Showers Praise on the Gunners

Rangers Injury News

Rangers will be without Dujon Sterling (Achilles) and Neraysho Kasanwirjo (knee), who remain sidelined due to injury. Additionally, midfielder Robin Propper is suspended after receiving a red card in the first leg.

On a positive note, the Scottish side will be boosted by the return of John Souttar and Mohamed Diomande, both of whom missed the first leg due to suspension. Souttar is expected to step in for the suspended Propper and join James Tavernier and Leon Balogun in Rangers’ defensive line.

🎙️ John Souttar spoke to @RangersTV ahead of Thursday's quarter-final in Bilbao.#UEL pic.twitter.com/v9hLFTLbhz
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) April 16, 2025

Rangers Predicted Lineup:

Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun; Yilmaz, Barron, Raskin, Jefte; Diomande, Cerny; Dessers

Athletic Bilbao vs. Rangers Europa League Betting Odds

Odds via BetMGM.

Teams	Moneyline	Total Goals
Athletic Bilbao	Win: -315 Draw: +425	Over 2.5: -175 Under 2.5: +135
Rangers	Win: +800 Draw: +425	Over 3.5: +160 Under 3.5: -200

Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Club

Europa League

Rangers

UEFA Europa League

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.