Rangers Look to Make European History in Bilbao as Inaki Williams Emerges as Major Doubt for Athletic Club
Rangers have set their sights on a famous European night in the Basque Country as they prepare for the second leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final against Athletic Club. After a gritty and spirited 0-0 draw in the first leg at Ibrox — where Barry Ferguson’s side played over 80 minutes with just ten men — the tie is delicately poised ahead of what could be a historic occasion at San Mamés.
The Glasgow outfit, who defied the odds to reach the final of this competition in 2022, are aiming to go one step further this time. And having held the Spanish giants in front of a packed Ibrox despite the early red card, Rangers will travel to Bilbao full of belief, even though the odds may still appear stacked against them.
However, Athletic Club’s preparations for the decisive leg have been thrown into doubt following a significant injury concern involving one of their most important players — Iñaki Williams.
Athletic Club Win in La Liga, but Key Man Suffers Injury Blow
Athletic Club returned to winning ways at the weekend with an impressive 3-1 comeback win over Rayo Vallecano in La Liga. After falling behind in the first half, the Basque side responded in emphatic fashion, led by a brace from Oihan Sancet and a goal from the electric Nico Williams, who continues to build a burgeoning reputation as one of Spain’s brightest young talents.
The victory kept Athletic’s top-four hopes alive in Spain’s top flight, where they sit fourth behind the dominant trio of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid. A place in next season’s UEFA Champions League is firmly within reach, either through their league position or by lifting this season’s Europa League trophy — which would be made even sweeter considering the final will be staged at their own San Mamés stadium.
But while the result over Rayo Vallecano was encouraging for Ernesto Valverde’s side, it came at a cost. Inaki Williams, the team’s talisman and symbol of their relentless intensity, limped off in visible discomfort after straining his adductor muscle in the second half.
The club confirmed the injury shortly after full-time, stating:
“Iñaki Williams had to leave the field before the end of yesterday’s match at San Mamés against Rayo Vallecano after straining the adductor muscles in his left leg. He is still undergoing further evaluation.”
Although no official timeline has been placed on his recovery, the initial signs suggest he is a major doubt for the second leg against Rangers. That would be a huge blow to Valverde, not just tactically but emotionally, as Williams is one of the longest-serving and most iconic players in the current squad. His pace, work rate, and ability to create something out of nothing make him a nightmare for defenders, especially on home turf.
Should he be ruled out, Athletic may need to reshuffle their attacking approach. The burden will likely fall more heavily on younger brother Nico Williams, who scored at the weekend and has reportedly caught the attention of clubs like Arsenal. Midfielder Sancet, whose brace ended a personal scoring drought stretching back to February, will also be expected to step up and lead from the front.
Barry Ferguson’s Rangers Facing Injury Woes of Their Own
While the spotlight has been on Inaki Williams in Spain, Barry Ferguson has admitted that Rangers, too, may be dealing with several injury concerns ahead of the trip to Bilbao.
The Rangers boss confirmed in a post-match interview that “three or four” players could miss the second leg due to various fitness issues. He did not go into detail, but there are whispers within the camp that key players in defence and midfield are facing a race against time to be fit. This could prove pivotal in shaping the tactical approach Ferguson takes into the second leg.
Despite the challenges, Ferguson has already earned plaudits for the way his side adapted in the first leg following the early sending off. Reduced to ten men in front of a packed Ibrox crowd, Rangers demonstrated remarkable discipline and composure to shut out a fluid, possession-heavy Athletic side. The back line remained compact, Jack Butland made crucial saves, and the midfield duo covered every blade of grass.
Now, with the tie still goalless, Rangers know that one moment of magic, one counter-attack, or even a penalty shootout could carry them into the semi-finals of a European competition once again. The mental resilience and collective spirit that defined their run to the 2022 final in Seville will need to be summoned once more.
A European Cauldron Awaits at San Mamés
San Mamés — often referred to as The Cathedral of Spanish football — will be rocking on Thursday night as Athletic Club aim to move one step closer to a dream of lifting a European trophy on their home ground. The modern stadium, which replaced the historic original in 2013, has already hosted some iconic matches, and the club’s supporters are known for their intensity and unwavering passion.
For Rangers, walking into such a hostile environment will be a test not just of tactics but of temperament. They will need to stay compact, disciplined, and clinical. Every misplaced pass, every moment of hesitation, will be pounced on by a side that has made San Mamés a fortress.
Yet history favours those brave enough to defy expectations. Rangers’ Europa League campaign has already showcased moments of brilliance, and with Barry Ferguson at the helm — a man who knows what it takes to win big games in Europe — belief will not be in short supply.
Much will depend on the fitness of the players on both sides. If Inaki Williams does not recover in time, Athletic will have to rethink their forward press and attacking transitions. Likewise, Rangers will be hoping that key men such as Connor Goldson, Todd Cantwell, and James Tavernier are all available and firing on all cylinders.
All to Play For
The tie remains on a knife-edge, with no away goals and no clear favourite. Rangers, inspired by their recent European pedigree and the chance to etch their names into club folklore once again, will arrive in Bilbao ready for battle.
Should they advance, they’ll not only eliminate one of the Europa League favourites, but also potentially derail Athletic Club’s dream of a final in their own stadium. That kind of scalp would make headlines across Europe.
As the second leg approaches, the stakes could hardly be higher. A place in the semi-final. A shot at the final. And for Athletic Club, a dream of Champions League football and silverware at home. For Rangers, a chance to write another glorious chapter in their European story.
Thursday night in Bilbao promises passion, pressure, and drama — and perhaps a moment that will be remembered for generations.
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