Rangers v Club Athletic Preview: Time to Make Ibrox Roar Again

The Europa League Quarter Final is here, and Rangers are back under the Ibrox lights for what is undeniably the biggest game of the season. With domestic hopes extinguished, this European tie against Athletic Club (Athletic Bilbao) represents more than just another game — it’s a chance for redemption, pride, and belief.

Union Bears Set the Tone

The Union Bears are leading the charge, organising a street party at the Copland Stairs from 18:30. They’ve called on all fans to “bring the noise and colour,” and after the dismal recent home form, that backing could make all the difference. Ibrox has seen five straight defeats — an unwanted record that cuts deep — but this is the night we change the script.

The Opponents: Athletic Club

Athletic Club are no mugs. They’re flying high in LaLiga, sitting fourth, and have a recent Copa del Rey title under their belt. Last year they dumped out Real Madrid 4-2 en route to cup glory, and they’re hungry for more.

Under Ernesto Valverde, they play with a blend of Spanish flair and British steel. Expect a 4-2-3-1 formation that looks to unleash the blistering pace of the Williams brothers down the flanks. They won’t just pass us off the park — they’ll mix it up, go direct when needed, and hunt down mistakes.

Danger man Oihan Sancet has returned from a hamstring issue and played the final half hour in their 0-0 draw with Villarreal at the weekend — but goals have dried up recently, with just one in their last three. That’s something Rangers must capitalise on.

Suspensions & Struggles

Rangers will be without both John Souttar and Mohamed Diomande — suspended due to yellow card accumulation. It’s a frustrating blow, especially as UEFA’s decision not to wipe cards after the league stage continues to baffle fans.

The squad is also coming off a bruising 2-0 defeat to Hibs at Ibrox — the fifth home loss in a row. Barry Ferguson didn’t hide his frustration, calling out the lacklustre display. But he’s also spoken about honest, constructive conversations between the players and staff in the aftermath. Training has been intense, and the mood — surprisingly — is positive.

Butland or Bust?

There’s real debate over whether Jack Butland should keep his place after another howler at the weekend, letting in a shot he should’ve dealt with easily. Add to that Cyril Dessers’ wastefulness up front, and changes seem inevitable.

Yet, Ferguson may stick with Butland, hoping he finds the form that once made him a fan favourite. And while Dessers might be benched, expect fresh energy in the final third.

Predicted XI vs Athletic Club

Barry Ferguson looks set to shift to a 4-4-2, likely to combat Bilbao’s wing threat and restore some balance to the team. Here’s how we think the team will line up:

Formation: 4-4-2

Goalkeeper:
Jack Butland

Defence:
James Tavernier (C)
Leon Balogun
Robin Propper
Dujon Sterling

Midfield:
Nedim Bajrami
Nicolas Raskin
Tom Lawrence
Ianis Hagi

Forwards:
Vaclav Cerny
Hamza Igamane

The inclusion of Bajrami, Lawrence & Hagi on the flanks gives the midfield some much needed creativity and experience, while Igamane’s strength and movement might be key in unlocking the Bilbao defence.

Final Thoughts

It’s now or never. Five straight defeats at Ibrox is a hard pill to swallow, but this club has a history of rising when it matters most. The fans will show up. The noise will be deafening. The only question is — will the players rise to the moment?

Let’s make it a night to remember. Bring the fight. Bring the belief. Bring the noise.

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