Athletic Club were held to a goalless draw at Ibrox in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final against Rangers, despite an early red card for Robin Pröpper and a controversial late penalty awarded to the Zurigorri.
The Dutchman was dismissed with just 12 minutes on the clock for denying a goalscoring opportunity as he hacked down Iñaki Williams on the edge of the box, with VAR’s decision to upgrade the initial yellow card labelled as “absolute nonsense” by Ally McCoist.
Barry Ferguson’s side defended valiantly but were weakened further in the second half when 18-year-old Bailey Rice was stretchered off after receiving extensive on-pitch treatment following a collision.
But there would still be time for further controversy as Athletic Club were awarded a penalty in controversial circumstances, with Liam Kelly called upon to produce a stunning save after a four-minute VAR check.
Athletic Club will host next week’s second leg at San Mamés.
As it happened
Rangers started brightly at Ibrox against a side tipped by many to be the favourites to lift the UEFA Europa League trophy at San Mamés next month, with Václav Černý’s early attempt from the edge of the box flying just wide of the far corner in an early display of intent from the hosts.
But that positive start quickly looked to fall apart when, with just 12 minutes on the clock, Robin Pröpper was booked for a reckless challenge on Iñaki Williams on the edge of the box. Referee Istvan Kovacs quickly upgraded that yellow card to an instant red after a brief pitchside review, with Rangers reduced to ten men.
Still, the hosts defended valiantly against a threatening Athletic Club front line. Maroan Sannadi squandered a golden opportunity to take the lead after thirty minutes when he turned a header over the crossbar.
The Zurigorri continued to press as the break neared, with Sannadi seeing an effort tipped over the crossbar by Liam Kelly, who then claimed Oihan Sancet’s headed attempt from the resulting corner.
But Thursday’s hosts spurned an excellent opportunity – perhaps the best of the first half – to take a shock lead deep inside stoppage time when Černý’s deep free kick was nodded wildly over by Cyriel Dessers.
Sannadi’s liveliness continued into the second half when the 24-year-old forced two opportunities in the space of five minutes, with a penalty appeal denied before he blazed an effort wide of the near post from close range.
Rangers had held firm thanks in large part to the quiet excellence of Bailey Rice throughout the match, though the 18-year-old’s night ended with him being carried off the pitch on a stretcher following a lengthy period of medical treatment for an apparent facial injury.
The hosts’ night looked as though it would worsen further when, just minutes after being introduced as a substitute, Álex Berenguer slammed home the opener. But in a match as lively as this one, it couldn’t possibly be that simple and after three VAR checks – initially for offside – the Zurigorri were awarded a penalty following a slight handball from Dujon Sterling.
Berenguer’s effort from twelve yards was saved by Kelly, much to the delight of the home fans – many of whom weren’t aware why the visitors had been handed a spot kick.
Rangers held on throughout 12 minutes of stoppage time to force an impressive draw against Athletic Club, who’ll host next week’s second leg at San Mamés. Kickoff on Thursday 17 April is scheduled for 20:00 BST [21:00 CEST].
The lineups
RAN: Kelly; Balogun, Pröpper, Sterling; Yılmaz, Raskin, Rice, Tavernier; Hagi, Dessers, Černý
ATH: Agirrezabala; Luke, Alvarez, Vivian, De Marcos; Jaureguizar, De Galarreta; N Williams, Sancet, I Williams; Sannadi
