RANGERS are a team to fear in the Europa League this season.
But Athletic Bilbao could be the team that ends up bringing the fear factor to Ibrox next month – if their wild fans turn up to Glasgow in their usual numbers.
Bilbao fans were involved in fiery altercations ahead of their second leg clash last night[/caption]
Basque Police were forced to step in to calm the situation[/caption]
Rangers‘ Road to Bilbao takes an early stop in the Basque Country on April 17 as Gers face the La Liga side in the quarter-final after seeing off Fenerbahce this week.
Light Blues supporters are already dreaming of another run in the tournament like their stunning campaign in the 2020/21 season.
And should they go all the way like they did in Seville then Barry Ferguson and his players will be in familiar surroundings in May.
That’s because the final showpiece will be held at the San Mamés Stadium – the same venue which will host the second leg of their quarter-final tie next month.
There will no doubt be thousands of Gers punters already planning their travel arrangements with just weeks to go before the big game.
Rangers fans always turn out in their big numbers for European away trips.
And that’s the same for their rivals Athletic Bilbao, whose fans have built quite a reputation in recent years.
Bilbao ultras have been at the centre of various violent encounters on the continental stage this season and have been issued warnings by Uefa for their actions.
The Spanish outfit are currently under probation by Uefa for incidents during a Europa League clash earlier this season.
Similar to Celtic, Bilbao face the prospect of an away fan ban in Europe for their fans’ actions during their Europa League opener against Roma in September.
The club were hit with a €30,000 fine for supporters throwing objects on the pitch and have been warned that any similar incidents will see punters locked out for the following away fixture.
Bilbao and Roma went head-to-head once again in the last 16 and chaos ensued in Spain before, after, and during the heated return leg.
As many as 14 arrests were made in the Basque capital yesterday following the aggregate win, with 18 people injured as both sets of ultras clashes in the city centre.
The trouble first began in the afternoon outside the stadium before the game which forced cops and security staff to get involved early doors.
The situation then escalated at full-time with tensions high among both sets of supporters.
Officers armed with batons were forced to separate fans as brawls spilled onto the streets with police targeted.
How Gers rated against Fenerbahce
Jack Butland – goalie hardly had a thing to do until he was given no chance at Fenerbahce opener. Two saves in the shoot-out made him the hero 8
James Tavernier – right centre-back of the three again. Caught out by deflected cross at Fenerbahce opener then failed to block Szymanski’s second. Crucial block then late goal saving intervention and free-kick saved 7
John Souttar – immense in Istanbul and aggressive from the off again last night. Booked for hauling back Talisca and will miss first leg of quarter-final. Won second half header but lacked power 8
Leon Balogun – started with Propper on bench after the head knock he suffered in first leg. Took out Talisca as he threatened to break to land booking on half hour but stayed disciplined 7
Dujon Sterling – impressed as sub in first leg and replaced Yilmaz for first start since January 5. Landed harsh booking 25 minutes in then let cross in that led to opener. Hooked on 55 5
Nico Raskin – started well, breaking beyond the lines and snapping into tackles. Kept energy up after break to win challenges and make key passes in important role in both halves of the pitch 8
**Mohamed Diomande – took up some good positions but final pass often let him down. Booked after ref bought Mert Muldur dive to count him out of next round. Well timed challenge inside box in second half 6
Connor Barron – gave Fenerbahce midfielders no time on ball. Dropped in to cover defensively and was in right place at right time. Late cross inches away from Hagi. Extra-time exit with cramp 7
Jefte – lucky when caught Talisca on line of penalty box but fellow Brazilian was booked for dive instead. Villain at second goal when went to ground and failed to stop ball in. Subbed in formation change 5
Vaclav Cerny – first leg goal hero was lively again. Sliced chance then lashed one from distance into the side netting. Didn’t see enough of ball second half but extra-time effort brilliantly saved 7
Cyriel Dessers – scored one in Istanbul and saw two chalked off for offside fewer chances last night. Handful for Skriniar but booked on stroke of half-time. Mistimed hooked volley in second half then subbed 5
SUBS: Ridvan Yilmaz (5) sent on early in second half. Late strike then booked for dissent, Hamza Igamane (3) great shot clawed away but too often picked wrong option Nedim Bajrami (5) low shot saved then smashed high and wide, Ianis Hagi (3) inches from sliding home then booked, Tom Lawrence (3) extra-time arrival.
Reports in Spain suggest 14 of the 18 people who were injured were cops who tried to deescalate the chaos.
The latest developments will certainly put Police Scotland on alert ahead of the upcoming first leg in Glasgow on April 10.
And things could certainly get heated with Gers given Bilbao’s close connection to Celtic.
The relationship between the Scottish Champions and Rangers’ Euro rivals started back in 2011 when Neil Lennon took Celts to the Basque Country for a friendly match.
At the time, Lennon pointed out the many similarities both clubs share, including the tradition and history of each team.
Celtic’s greatest ever captain was then honoured by the Spanish outfit eight years later as Bilbao presented their “One Club Man” award to Billy McNeill.
Bilbao delegate José Ángel Iribar travelled to Glasgow to hand over the accolade to Martin McNeill, Billy’s youngest son.
Celtic then arranged a testimonial for James Forrest in 2023 and Bilbao were the chosen club to play in the game at Parkhead.
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