Rangers’ resistance lasted for over two hours and then a briefer rebellion brought hope that they could do something truly extraordinary but reaching the semi-final of the Europa League was a step too far. Instead, it is Athletic Club of Bilbao, hosts of this year’s final and still searching for a first continental trophy in their 124-year history, who reach the last four. Barry Ferguson’s side were still standing at the end of a first leg that finished 0-0, despite spending most of the night a man down, and they still hadn’t conceded 48 minutes into the second, but then a penalty finally gave the Basques a breakthrough.
Liam Kelly had been the hero seven days ago, saving from the spot; here though he could not stop Oihan Sancet’s shot. Rangers still might have been revived when Nicolas Raskin hit the post, but in the end Athletic were too good, racking up 21 shots here, 40 over the two legs, until the 41st was headed in by Nico Williams, the nerves finally gone at San Mamés, the stadium they call the Cathedral, and replaced by songs of praise.
