What's happened
Rangers' hopes of reaching the Europa League semi-finals ended with a 2-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao in the second leg of the quarter-finals. Controversial refereeing decisions, including a denied penalty for Rangers, overshadowed the match, which saw goals from Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams secure Bilbao's progression.
What's behind the headline?
Key Takeaways
- Refereeing Controversy: The match was marred by a controversial decision not to award Rangers a penalty for a foul on Cyriel Dessers, which has drawn criticism from both players and analysts. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about VAR's effectiveness in crucial moments.
- Performance Under Pressure: Rangers struggled to maintain composure against a dominant Athletic Bilbao side, which had 21 shots compared to Rangers' limited opportunities. This disparity underscores the need for Rangers to enhance their attacking strategies in high-stakes matches.
- Future Implications: With this defeat, Rangers must now refocus on their domestic league campaign. The loss may also impact Barry Ferguson's prospects of securing the managerial position permanently, as the team’s performance in Europe was a significant factor in evaluating his capabilities.
What the papers say
According to Graham Falk in The Scotsman, the match's pivotal moment came when Dessers was denied a penalty, leading to frustration among Rangers players and management. Sid Lowe from The Guardian noted that Athletic Bilbao capitalized on their chances, with Sancet's penalty breaking the deadlock. Mark Atkinson, also from The Scotsman, emphasized the missed opportunities for Rangers, particularly Raskin's shot hitting the post, which could have changed the game's momentum. The contrasting perspectives highlight the critical nature of officiating and performance in determining match outcomes.
How we got here
Rangers entered the second leg of the Europa League quarter-finals against Athletic Bilbao after a goalless draw in the first leg. The team faced significant challenges, including injuries and suspensions, which impacted their performance in the decisive match in Spain.
Go deeper
- What were the key moments in the match?
- How did the refereeing decisions impact the game?
- What are Rangers' next steps after this defeat?
Common question
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