Rangers FC - Athletic Club
LocationIbrox Stadium , Glasgow
49,922 spectators
Tie to be settled at San Mames after missed opportunity in Glasgow
Athletic miss a penalty and fail to take advantage of their numerical superiority from the first-half onwards
Athletic Club let Rangers FC off the hook with a goalless draw at San Mames, where the Lions were given a huge advantage when Robin Pröpper was sent off in the 13th minute.
The Zurigorri didn't take their chances, with Alex Berenguer even missing a penalty in the 82nd minute. It was a missed opportunity, but everything is still left to play for at San Mames, where Ernesto Valverde's side are unbeaten in the Europa League this season.
It was a tough result and now Athletic must move on quickly and focus on Rayo Vallecano's visit this Sunday.
In a sensational atmosphere, one that harked back to football of a different era, and with almost 3,000 Athletic fans in the stands, the Lions failed to beat Liam Kelly.
Maroan had three chances to give Athletic the lead. The first came before Propper's dismissal for a rash challenge on Iñaki Williams, a close-range effort
Valverde's side looked to wear down a resistant Rangers. Kelly denied Maroan at close range and denied Oihan Sancet in the subsequent corner.
Logically, Rangers barely threatened. Their only chance a Cyriel Dessers shot that went wide. Maroan's third and final chance came in the 58th minute when he fired wide after getting a foot to a low cross by Oscar de Marcos.
Athletic thought they'd finally got a goal in the 76th minute when Berenguer struck home. But after a lengthy VAR review, it was ruled out for offside and a penalty was given instead as Dujon Sterling had handled the ball in the box. Kelly, with the tip of a toe, robbed Berenguer of his moment of glory.
San Mames will decide who goes through to the semi-finals.
