Athletic Club vs Rangers Europa League preview: where to watch, predicted line-ups, team news

Athletic Club welcome Rangers in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie.

Where to watch the game on TV

Fans can find their local UEFA Europa League broadcast partner(s) here.

What do you need to know?

Rangers' resilience was the story of a goalless first leg at Ibrox, the hosts withstanding the Athletic Club pressure even after the early dismissal of Robin Pröpper. They had goalkeeper Liam Kelly to thank for that in large part, an 82nd-minute penalty stop to deny Alex Berenguer the pick of several key saves.

Athletic Club return to Bilbao ruing missed opportunities, the result ending an 18-game scoring streak in the Europa League, but believing that a rediscovered clinical edge can power them through. "We couldn't score, but we know we can change that at San Mamés," said defender Daniel Vivian.

Possible line-ups

Athletic Club: Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray, Lekue; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jaureguizar; Nico Williams, Sancet, Berenguer; Sannadi
Out: Berchiche (calf)
Misses next match if booked: Berchiche, De Marcos, Gorosabel, Ruiz De Galarreta, Sannadi, Vivian, Iñaki Williams

Rangers: Kelly; Tavernier, Balogun, Yilmaz, Jefté; Raskin, Barron; Cerný, Hagi, Igamane; Dessers
Out: Pröpper (suspended), Kasanwirjo (knee), Sterling (achilles)
Misses next match if booked: Barron, Igamane, Jefté, Raskin

Form guide

Athletic Club

Form: WDDDWW
Latest: Athletic Club 3-1 Rayo Vallecano, La Liga, 13/04

Rangers

Form: DDLWWL
Latest: Aberdeen 2-2 Rangers, Premiership, 13/04

Expert prediction

Andrea De Ferrater, match reporter: Pröpper's suspension is a blow for Rangers, but having survived for most of the first leg with ten men, the Scottish side proved that they can handle setbacks. At the weekend, brilliant goals from Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams gave Athletic Club a spectacular comeback win against Rayo Vallecano, so their tails will be up as they look to impose their game at 'La Catedral'.

What the coaches and players say

Ernesto Valverde, Athletic Club coach: "It's a decisive game. We've already played decisive games here, and the idea is to play our game, taking into account the gameplan they might have. They are good on the counter-attack, but they can also play to dominate possession because they are used to doing that in Scotland. In the first leg, we lacked clarity and pace in the game. We didn't manage to score, but now we have another chance."

Barry Ferguson, Rangers coach: "We are in a quarter-final, we have a brilliant opportunity. I spoke with the players today, these are the games you want to be involved in. We understand we are up against a good team with a strong home record. I never though this opportunity would happen, I am loving every minute of it, and I am looking forward to it. I told my players you have to embrace these occasions."

Maroan Sannadi, Athletic Club forward: "We expect Rangers to be like they were in the first leg before they were reduced to ten men. They are aggressive and have great players. We are in a good position. We hope to win the game with a great atmosphere at San Mamés. We won't be under a lot of pressure, but we have a lot to gain."

James Tavernier, Rangers defender: "It's important we play together as a team, working really hard for one another and creating our chances. This was key in our previous run to the final. They are one of the big favourites for this tournament, but we relish this challenge, and we are going to take the game to them. It is a beautiful stadium and we want to be back here for the final."