Rangers’ European campaign came to a disappointing end on Thursday night as they were beaten 2-0 by Athletic Club at San Mamés, crashing out of the UEFA Europa League at the quarter-final stage with a 2-0 aggregate defeat. The Basque side now advances to the semi-finals, continuing their dream of winning the competition in front of their home fans with the final set to be played at San Mamés on May 21.

Athletic seized control of the tie just before halftime when Oihan Sancet calmly converted a penalty after Rangers defender John Souttar brought down the lively Maroan Sannadi inside the box. That goal gave the Spanish side the aggregate lead after a goalless first leg in Glasgow and shifted the momentum irreversibly in their favor.

Rangers responded with urgency after the break, but their efforts fell short in the final third. Midfielder Nicolas Raskin came closest to restoring hope for the Scottish club with a curling strike that struck the post, but chances were few and far between. Across both legs, Rangers managed just two shots on target a stat that underscored their attacking struggles on the European stage.

Athletic put the result beyond doubt in the closing minutes when Nico Williams rose to head home a cross, sending the home crowd into raptures and confirming their place in the Europa League semi-finals for the first time since the 2011–12 season.

Ernesto Valverde’s side will now face Manchester United in what promises to be a mouthwatering two-legged tie beginning on May 1. For Athletic, this European run has taken on added significance, as a potential final on home turf provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lift their first continental trophy.

For Rangers, the result will sting. After progressing strongly through the group stages and knockout rounds, their inability to break down a tactically disciplined and energetic Bilbao side proved their undoing. Attention now turns back to domestic competition, where the club will aim to regroup and finish the season on a high.

As the Europa League narrows to four, Athletic Club’s journey stands out a story of heritage, local pride, and the chance to create history in the shadow of their beloved cathedral of football, San Mamés.