Rangers vs. Athletic Bilbao: Can Barry Ferguson’s “Dark Arts” Help Rangers Overcome Their Spanish Opposition?

Rangers are set for a crucial Europa League showdown against Athletic Bilbao, knowing that they will need to be at their very best to progress to the semi-finals. The Scottish giants have historically struggled against Spanish teams in European competition, and their task has been made even harder with the absence of key players John Souttar and Mohamed Diomande for the first leg at Ibrox. However, Rangers have a habit of producing special performances on big European nights, and they will be banking on their home crowd to help unsettle their high-flying La Liga opponents.

Athletic Bilbao have enjoyed a strong season in Spain and currently sit fourth in La Liga, positioning themselves as serious contenders for Champions League qualification. Their squad is packed with talent, including young star Nico Williams, who is being tracked by some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Under the guidance of experienced coach Ernesto Valverde, Athletic have built a well-balanced side capable of playing high-intensity attacking football.

However, despite their impressive league form, Athletic showed signs of vulnerability in their recent 0-0 draw against Osasuna, a match that may offer Rangers a blueprint for how to frustrate the Spanish side. Osasuna successfully nullified Athletic’s attacking threat, limiting them to an expected goals (xG) figure of just 0.7. Valverde was visibly frustrated after the match, admitting that his side struggled to cope with the physicality and tactical fouls employed by Osasuna.

“It was tough for us because Osasuna defended well. It wasn’t a very fluid game,” Valverde said. “There were a lot of fouls. We lacked fluidity because of their good work. Derbies are competitive like that.”

These comments will not go unnoticed by Barry Ferguson and his coaching staff. The Rangers boss has long emphasized the importance of his team being more aggressive and streetwise in matches, particularly when facing opposition that thrives on possession-based football.

Barry Ferguson’s Demand for Rangers to Use the “Dark Arts”

Ferguson has been vocal about his belief that Rangers are sometimes “too nice” in games, particularly in domestic fixtures where opponents attempt to frustrate them with physicality, time-wasting, and tactical fouls. Prior to a recent Scottish Premiership clash against Dundee, Ferguson made it clear that he wanted his players to develop a more ruthless edge.

“I thought we were far too nice, and you can’t be nice at Rangers at times,” Ferguson said. “When you step out on that park, every single team wants to beat you, and you need to stand up to that.”

His comments suggest that Rangers must be willing to disrupt Athletic Bilbao in the same way that Osasuna did. If Athletic prefer a free-flowing passing game, Rangers must make the game scrappy, break up play when necessary, and use tactical fouls to prevent Bilbao from finding their rhythm.

Ferguson has called for similar tactics in previous European encounters. Against Fenerbahce earlier in the competition, he urged his players to embrace the “dark arts” of football—picking up smart yellow cards, slowing the game down at key moments, and doing whatever it takes to frustrate the opposition. That approach may be even more crucial against a technically gifted Athletic Bilbao side.

The Tactical Battle: Can Rangers Frustrate Athletic?

While Athletic Bilbao are undoubtedly a strong side, they are not invincible. Their draw against Osasuna highlighted some of their weaknesses, particularly their struggle to create clear-cut chances against well-organized defensive teams. Rangers must take note of this and set up accordingly.

One key area will be the midfield battle. Athletic’s ability to dominate possession is one of their greatest strengths, and Rangers must be prepared to fight for every ball. Players like Ryan Jack and Todd Cantwell will need to be aggressive in the press, denying Bilbao space to play through the middle.

Defensively, Rangers will need to be disciplined. Bilbao’s attack, led by Nico Williams, thrives on quick transitions and one-on-one situations. James Tavernier and Borna Barisic will have to be careful not to get caught too high up the pitch, as Athletic’s wingers have the pace to exploit any defensive gaps.

At the other end of the pitch, Rangers must take their chances when they arise. European knockout football is often decided by fine margins, and Ferguson’s side cannot afford to be wasteful in front of goal. Cyriel Dessers and Abdallah Sima will need to be clinical, and Rangers will likely look to set pieces as a potential route to goal.

The Ibrox Factor: Can the Crowd Play a Role?

One of Rangers’ biggest advantages in this tie is their home crowd. Ibrox has seen its fair share of unforgettable European nights, and the atmosphere on these occasions can be intimidating for visiting teams. If Rangers can start the game strongly, press aggressively, and get the crowd involved, they could create an environment that unsettles Athletic Bilbao.

Ernesto Valverde has already acknowledged that his side must improve heading into this game, and if Rangers can put them under pressure early, doubts may start to creep in. Bilbao are an experienced side, but Ibrox is a unique test, and many teams have struggled to cope with the intensity of playing in front of a packed Rangers crowd.

The Risks of the “Dark Arts” Approach

While Ferguson’s approach could be effective, there are also risks involved. If Rangers commit too many fouls or pick up early yellow cards, they could find themselves walking a disciplinary tightrope. Athletic Bilbao have technically gifted players who can capitalize on set-piece situations, and Rangers cannot afford to give away unnecessary free kicks in dangerous areas.

There is also the danger of losing focus. While frustrating the opponent is an important tactic, Rangers cannot allow their game plan to become purely defensive. They will need to pick the right moments to break forward and attack, ensuring that they pose a genuine threat to Bilbao rather than simply sitting deep and absorbing pressure.

Can Rangers Pull Off an Upset?

On paper, Athletic Bilbao are the favorites to progress, but Rangers have shown time and again that they are capable of upsetting the odds in European competition. With the right tactical approach, disciplined defending, and a raucous home crowd behind them, Ferguson’s side have a chance to make life very difficult for their Spanish opponents.

If Rangers can implement Ferguson’s game plan effectively—disrupting Athletic’s rhythm, pressing aggressively, and taking their chances when they come—they could find themselves in a strong position heading into the second leg in Spain. Athletic Bilbao may be a talented team, but they are not unbeatable, and Rangers will be hoping to prove that on what promises to be another dramatic European night at Ibrox.