AliousRangers are charging into their Europa League quarter-final showdown against Athletic Bilbao with unwavering determination and the fire of unfinished business burning beneath them. With memories of their heart-wrenching 2022 final defeat in Seville still fresh, the Scottish giants appear more focused and formidable than ever—and Athletic manager Ernesto Valverde knows it.
Speaking ahead of the high-stakes clash, Valverde didn’t mince words about the challenge his side faces. Despite Rangers’ recent patchy form at Ibrox, the Spanish boss expressed deep respect for their tenacity, electric counter-attacks, and overall threat across the pitch.
“Rangers are a fast, dynamic team with plenty of options,” Valverde admitted, pinpointing the threat posed by two of Rangers’ most dangerous forwards, Cyriel Dessers and Vaclav Cerny. “Players like Dessers and Cerny—they have quality, and they can compete with any team.”
His words underline a growing sense of caution surrounding Rangers’ attacking arsenal, which has evolved into a well-balanced mix of speed, strength, and precision. But it’s not just the tactics or the players that have Valverde on alert—it’s the fearsome legacy that still echoes within the walls of Ibrox, especially one cast by club legend Barry Ferguson.
Ferguson’s era was defined by relentless willpower, grit, and leadership—the very traits that seem to be running through the veins of the current squad. That spiritual presence looms large over opponents and galvanizes the players wearing blue. In many ways, it’s that intangible force—call it pride, history, or simply the fear of letting down a legacy—that makes Rangers such a terrifying opponent.
Valverde acknowledged that playing at Ibrox, under the deafening roar of its supporters and the pressure of its history, will be no small feat. “It’s a big challenge,” he said, a subtle nod to the psychological and physical battle awaiting his players.
For Rangers, this tie isn’t just about reaching the semi-finals—it’s a mission to redeem past heartbreak, backed by an iron will and a legacy of fearlessness. Athletic Bilbao may be a formidable opponent, but Rangers are powered by something more than tactics—they’re driven by history, passion, and an unshakable belief that this is their time.
Alious
