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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Mark Walker

Rangers warned by Athletic legend: San Mames will be 'decisive' to Europa League tie

Athletic Club legend Ibai Gomez admits he's very impressed with Rangers, but reckons they will be sunk in San Mames.

Rangers face a daunting task against Athletic Club in their intimidating ground on Thursday night in the second leg of the Europa League quarter finals after that goalless draw at Ibrox last week.

Athletic have won five out of five games at home in Europe this season and are strong favourites to progress to the semi finals.

And Athletic icon Gomez - who made over 300 appearances for the club in two spells stretching 12 years - believes Rangers will eventually wilt with home advantage counting.

He said: "Athletic should approach the match with Rangers with maximum confidence. When you're an Athletic fan, you know that on these kinds of nights, San Mames is usually decisive. And the players know it too.


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"This is a squad with players who have a lot of confidence and who lifted a weight off their shoulders last year by winning the Copa del Rey.

"Forget the fact the final will be at San Mames - it has nothing to do with it. That can help on the day of the final, but until we get there, it's simply an extra motivation. It can actually be a burden because people don't appreciate the difficulty of reaching the final.

"And Rangers are going to be a very difficult team to play against, though.

"In the first leg, they showed they defend their penalty area very well and counter-attack very effectively.

"Athletic are playing a team who won't be afraid. We're facing a very tough tie, but I hope and trust that San Mames will be decisive.

"Rangers are a strong team who are tough in the tackle. Athletic will dominate the game and spend a lot of time in the opponent's half, but that won't bother Rangers. Nico Williams was defended very well in the first leg and Oihan Sancet wasn't comfortable either.

"I just hope San Mames carries Athletic through."  

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