AliousTakeover Looms as Rangers Battle Bilbao: US Investors in Stands, Club Chiefs Spotted at The Masters
Rangers held firm with a gutsy 0-0 draw against Europa League favourites Athletic Bilbao, despite playing most of the match with 10 men. The hard-earned result at Ibrox kept their European dreams alive, while major developments off the pitch added further intrigue to a dramatic night.
The Scottish side’s resilience was put to the test just 13 minutes in, when defender Robin Propper received a straight red card for a foul on Bilbao danger-man Iñaki Williams. From that point on, the visitors piled on the pressure with a barrage of attacks, but Rangers stood their ground with heroic defending, clutch saves, and desperate blocks.
The game’s most dramatic moment came late on, when Athletic were awarded a controversial penalty. With nerves sky-high, substitute goalkeeper Liam Kelly—who has spent much of the season on the bench—stepped into the spotlight and denied Alex Bergeuner with a stunning leg save, drawing a deafening roar from the Ibrox faithful. Interim manager Barry Ferguson later admitted that benching regular starter Jack Butland was one of the most difficult calls of his tenure, but Kelly’s performance made it a masterstroke.
Rangers will now turn their attention to a Premiership showdown with Aberdeen before heading to Spain for the decisive second leg of their quarter-final tie.
### US Investors Watch on as Takeover Nears
Away from the pitch, all eyes were on the directors’ box, where representatives of the incoming American ownership group were seen at Ibrox. Sky Sports cameras caught Andrew Cavenagh and Gretar Steinsson arriving ahead of kickoff, fueling speculation that the 49ers Group’s long-anticipated takeover is on the verge of completion.
The deal is expected to be wrapped up by April, with the group set to acquire a 51% controlling stake in Rangers International Football Club (RIFC) plc. As part of the agreement, former chairman Dave King is poised to offload his 13% shareholding.
The 49ers Group, who already own English Championship contenders Leeds United, are aiming to replicate their success in Glasgow. With Leeds pushing for Premier League promotion this season, Rangers fans are hopeful that similar ambition and investment will soon arrive at Ibrox.
### Club Officials Seen at The Masters Amid Ownership Shift
Meanwhile, as the future of the club begins to shift hands, several familiar Rangers faces were spotted across the Atlantic at The Masters golf tournament. According to *The Scotsman*, former chairman Alastair Johnston, a regular attendee at Augusta, was seen alongside outgoing shareholder Dave King.
In a symbolic gesture, King was even photographed carrying the bag of legendary golfer Gary Player as the Honorary Starter teed off on Thursday—perhaps a fitting metaphor as he prepares to pass the baton at Rangers.
With crucial fixtures ahead and a seismic ownership change underway, the final stretch of the season promises to be one of the most pivotal in recent Rangers history—both on and off the pitch.
Alious
