The first leg of the 2024/25 Europa League quarter-final between Rangers (Scotland) and Athletic (Spain) will take place on April 10 at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow. Rangers vs. Athletic: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Rangers
Barry Ferguson's side finished eighth in the overall stage, losing only twice in eight games (4 wins and 2 draws). Skipping the playoffs, the club went straight to the round of 16, where they faced Fenerbahce. In the first match, the Scots unexpectedly defeated the Turks on their home turf with a score of 3-1, and in the return leg in Glasgow, the hosts lost by the same margin but advanced thanks to better penalty execution (0-2, extra time 0-0, on penalties 3-2). Rangers have already surpassed last season's result, where they were eliminated in the round of 16 of the Europa League.
- The club has not lost in regular time in 6 of their last 8 matches in this tournament (4 wins and 2 draws).
- Both teams scored in 6 of Rangers' last 7 games in this European competition.
- The Scots have conceded in regular time in 7 of their last 8 home matches in the Europa League.
Predicted lineup for Rangers (5-3-2)
Jack Butland – Jefte, John Souttar, Dujon Sterling, James Tavernier, Leon Balogun – Nicolas Raskin, Connor Barron, Mohammed Diomande – Cyriel Dessers, Vaclav Cerny.
Defender Neraysho Kasanwirjo will miss the match due to injury. Midfielder Mohammed Diomande and defender John Souttar are suspended.
Athletic
The Basques finished second in the overall stage, securing 6 wins in 8 matches (1 draw and 1 loss). Ernesto Valverde's side, like the Scots, received a direct ticket to the Europa League round of 16, where they faced a strong opponent, Roma. In Italy, the club from Bilbao lost 1-2, but at home, they convincingly took revenge with a 3-1 victory. Athletic last played in European competitions in the 2017/18 season, reaching only the round of 16 in the Europa League.
- The club's uncompromising streak in this tournament is nine matches (7 wins and 2 losses).
- At least three goals were scored in 6 of Athletic's last 7 games in the Europa League.
- Both teams scored in 6 of the Basques' last 7 away matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Athletic (4-2-3-1)
Julen Agirrezabala – Oscar De Marcos, Yuri Berchiche, Unai Nunez, Aitor Paredes – Mikel Haurregui, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta – Unai Gomez, Inaki Williams, Nico Williams – Maroan Sannadi.
Defender Yuri Berchiche will not play due to injury.
Referee
Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
Matches – 11 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 35;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.2;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 9%.
Rangers vs. Athletic: Match Prediction
The Spaniards are the favorites for the first leg and the entire two-legged tie. However, I believe the bookmakers are underestimating the Scots, who, unlike the Basques, are regular participants in European competitions and even reached the Europa League final in the 2021/22 season. Moreover, it seems Rangers will once again concede the championship to Celtic, making the European competition a priority for Barry Ferguson's side at the end of the season.
Additionally, the Scots have always been known for their resilience, especially in home games. In their last 15 home matches in the Europa League, the club has suffered only three losses in regular time (9 wins and 3 draws). After the fiasco against Fenerbahce, Rangers will likely draw conclusions and be fully prepared for the Basques. Meanwhile, Athletic has only five wins in their last 18 away matches in this tournament. Therefore, I suggest that the hosts will not lose, especially since a draw would suit the visitors for the first leg.
My prediction – Rangers to win or draw
