Europa League 2024-2025: Athletic Bilbao-Rangers, the likely lineups
Qualification to the Europa League semifinals still at stake between Athletic Bilbao and Rangers, who in the first leg of the quarterfinals played at the Ibrox Stadium drew 0-0: the Scots, in ten from 13′ for the red to Propper, also neutralized Berenguer’82’s penalty, postponing any judgment to Thursday night’s match at the San Mamés, with kickoff at 21.
The Ernesto Valverde-coached team, which eliminated Roma in the previous round by overturning the 1-2 in the first leg, will most likely field a 4-2-3-1, bolstered by the physicality in attack of Sannadi and the quality on the three-quarter line guaranteed by Nico Williams, Oihan Sancet and Berenguer. Jaurezigar and Ruiz de Galarreta are tasked with filtering the midfield.
On the other side, Rangers, led by Barry Ferguson (uncle of Bologna soccer player Lewis Ferguson), will go for a more shrewd 3-4-2-1, with a midfield line formed by flankers Tavernier and Curtis, as well as central midfielders Raskin and Barron. In attack the’former Cremonese Cyriel Dessers, supported by Diomande and Cerny.
Probable lineups
Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1): J. Agirrezabala; O. De Marcos, Vivian, Alvarez, Lekue; Jauregizar, Ruiz de Galarreta; N. Williams, Sancet, Berenguer; Sannadi. All. Valverde.
Rangers (3-4-2-1): Kelly; Jefte, Souttar, Balogun; Tavernier, Raskin, Barron, Curtis; Cerny, Diomande; Dessers. All. Ferguson.
