Rangers legend Ally McCoist believes his former side have every chance of booking their place in the Europa League semi-finals — despite the tough task awaiting them in Bilbao on Thursday night.
Barry Ferguson’s side head to the Basque Country with the tie finely balanced after a hard-earned 0-0 draw at Ibrox last week. The stalemate was all the more impressive considering the Light Blues played the majority of the first leg with 10 men following Robin Propper's early dismissal.
It’s been a season of ups and downs both on and off the pitch for Rangers, but European away days have consistently brought out the best in them. And McCoist, who knows a thing or two about memorable European nights in Rangers colours, isn’t ruling out another special result in Spain.
“They’ve always got a chance,” McCoist told talkSPORT. “I tell you, they [Athletic Club] are favourites to win the tournament, but I would’ve taken a draw before the game last week — even before the sending off as well.
“So, yeah, you’ve got to say Rangers’ better performances have been in Europe, particularly away from home. It’s still a big, big ask, but you never know.”
Rangers will need to be at their resolute best at San Mamés against an Athletic side filled with talented players and backed by home advantage.
But with their European pedigree, having reached the 2022 final of the same tournament, and defiant quarter-final first-leg showing, Ferguson’s men head into the second leg with belief they can write another chapter in the club’s storied continental history.
