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Rangers Hold Athletic Bilbao to Goalless Draw Despite Two Reductions in Manpower

A penalty save by Liam Kelly and defensive resilience secured a draw for Rangers in the Europa League quarter-final first leg at Ibrox.

Soccer Football - Europa League - Quarter Final - First Leg - Rangers v Athletic Bilbao - Ibrox, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - April 10, 2025 Athletic Bilbao's Alex Berenguer looks dejected as Rangers' Liam Kelly celebrates with teammates after saving his penalty kick REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Soccer Football - Europa League - Quarter Final - First Leg - Rangers v Athletic Bilbao - Ibrox, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - April 10, 2025 Athletic Bilbao's Alex Berenguer celebrates scoring a goal that was later disallowed with  Inaki Williams REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Soccer Football - Europa League - Quarter Final - First Leg - Rangers v Athletic Bilbao - Ibrox, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - April 10, 2025 Athletic Bilbao fans Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
Soccer Football - Europa League - Quarter Final - First Leg - Rangers v Athletic Bilbao - Ibrox, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - April 10, 2025 Rangers' Liam Kelly reacts Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith

Overview

  • Rangers were reduced to 10 men in the 13th minute after Robin Propper was sent off for denying a goal-scoring opportunity.
  • Manager Barry Ferguson's decision to replace Jack Butland with Liam Kelly proved pivotal, as Kelly saved a late penalty awarded after a VAR review.
  • A disallowed goal for offside and a subsequent penalty for handball highlighted the significant impact of VAR decisions on the match.
  • Substitute Bailey Rice suffered a serious neck injury in the second half and was stretchered off, leaving Rangers further depleted.
  • Despite finishing with nine men, Rangers held off a dominant Athletic Bilbao, setting up a challenging second leg in Spain next week.