Rangers exited the Europa League as their journey came to an end in Bilbao.
Athletic Club took a step closer to European glory, with the final of the competition set to take place at the San Mames next month.
The better team prevailed, with Oihan Sancet's penalty and Nico Williams' header proving to be the difference.
Barry Ferguson was forced to contend with various injury issues on the night, as Cyriel Dessers was also somehow denied a penalty.
Here is how the players rated...
Liam Kelly 7
Was quick off his line to deny Williams from close range, helped out by his teammates to stop the ball from crossing the line in the opening period. He was again fast off his line to force a mishit shot by Oihan Sancet right before the break, when the No.8 really should’ve done better. The same player made no mistake from the spot a minute or so later.
Ridvan Yilmaz 6
Denied the hosts what looked like a certain goal on the five-minute mark with an outstanding block inside the box. Had the unenviable task of dealing with Nico Williams, with the pacey winger roasting him on more than a few occasions. Was forced off with a knock after just 20 minutes.
James Tavernier 6
Recovered well to block a Williams shot on target from hitting the back of the net. Wasn’t able to get involved in the attacking third as much as he’d have liked, especially when Rangers chased a goal. Showed his capabilities as a defender, with some excellent recovery runs, not allowing Williams to get away from him despite his electric pace. And then totally switched off for Athletic’s second goal, as Williams ghosted in behind him to power a free header beyond Kelly, which probably partly sums up his Rangers career.
John Souttar 4
Conceded a needless penalty for a foul on Sannadi right before the break. Unfortunately, the usually reliable centre-back was caught wrong side, and caught the striker, who was running away from the goal.
Leon Balogun 7
The experienced centre-back showed his value to the side with some steady, yet essential, one-on-one, last-ditch defending. Rightly booked for a wild challenge on the edge of the box. Brave defending at a cross saw him collide with Souttar, resulting in him having to go off with an injured jaw.
Jefte 6
Eventually settled into the second half after enduring a rough first half period. His performance was way below par, and had it not been for Yilmaz’s injury, it would not be unreasonable to suggest that he may have been the one to be withdrawn by Ferguson. Was much tighter to his man as the game went on, getting out to block crosses and was sharper with his reading of the play to intercept possession.
Mohamed Diomande 7
Got stuck in right from the start, doing well to win a free-kick for his team around the halfway line merely seconds into the match. With Barron brought on, he was forced to play as an inverted left-back for a period, which was a shame after his dominant start in midfield. He was reinstated to his usual position after multiple system changes due to the injury situation forcing the manager’s hand. Definietly suits playing on the European stage against superior players.
Nicolas Raskin 6
Was so close to scoring an equaliser from close-range, but was agonisingly denied by the keeper, as the ball smacked off the post. It was Rangers’ biggest chance to score, and he was unlucky he didn’t see it nestle in the net. Was nipping and keen to win the ball as he always is.
Ianis Hagi 5
Showed great body strength to win a free-kick in a dangerous position for the visitors which led to an early shot on goal by Tavernier. Produced one or two neat touches and turns, but flattered to deceive for the most part as he struggled in the opening 45.
Vaclav Cerny 6
Didn’t see much of the ball in the first half, which was summed up when the Czech attacker tried his luck with a speculative effort, at best, from about 50 yards out. Was much livelier in the second half. Found more space to get at his full-back, cut inside and get shots and crosses away.
Cyriel Dessers 5
Somehow, he was denied a penalty after having his jersey damaged by a pull from Dani Vivian. The frontman was booked for his protests afterwards. Not only could it have been a spot kick, but it was arguably the denial of a goalscoring opportunity, and therefore a red card too after the Nigerian did well to avoid the defender’s intended block. Too often, Dessers was flat-footed, not doing enough to get his body in front of his marker.
Subs:
Connor Barron (for Yilmaz, 22’) 5
Worked tirelessly in midfield, as he tried to break up the play and feed the ball to the better players to make something happen.
Clinton Nsiala (for Hagi, 45’) 7
Equipped himself well given he’s not used to playing in such high-pressure games at this stage of his career. Tried to force the issue with some direct passing through Athletic’s defensive lines. As steady as he has been in any of his appearances to date.
Hamza Igamane (for Balogun, 49’) 5
Brought as Ferguson was forced into a major change of plan with Balogun’s head knock. Unable to get into his stride. Had a chance flash past the post with the final kick of the game.
Danilo (for Cerny, 84’) 3
Had a half-chance with a missed header.
Nedim Bajrami (for Diomande, 84’) 3
Tried to make something happen as Rangers chased the game.
