Ally McCoist makes huge Rangers Europa League claim v Athletic Bilbao
Rangers have a tough second leg against Athletic Club in the Europa League on Thursday, with Ally McCoist showing optimism.
San Mames will host Barry Ferguson’s team in the quarter-finals of the European competition on 17 April.
The Gers held Ernesto Valverde’s team to a 0-0 draw at Ibrox, giving them a chance to make it to the semi-finals against all odds.
Despite the Light Blues going through a tough spell domestically, there’s still hope among some faithful they may beat the La Liga outfit.
McCoist believes Rangers have chance against Athletic
Ferguson’s team have a chance of beating Athletic in the Europa League quarter-finals, McCoist says.
The Gers icon feels the Spanish club are favourites to win the tournament, and getting past them could potentially be challenging for the Bears.
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| 9 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
McCoist’s positivity comes from the belief that the Glaswegian outfit have been better away from home in the European competition.
Speaking on talkSPORT (16 April, 7:07), the ex-forward said: “You’ve always got a chance. [Athletic] are favourites to win the tournament. I’d have taken a draw before the game last week, even before the sending off as well.
“You’d have to say Rangers’ better performances have been in Europe, particularly away from home. Big ask, but you never know.”
Ferguson will be confident of beating Athletic in Europa League
Ferguson’s team’s chances of winning the Europa League seem slim, considering the quality of sides still in the competition.
The Gers will arguably need to be at their best to get past Athletic in the competition, but they’ll be confident of doing so.
Jose Mourinho was beaten handsomely by the Light Blues in Turkey, with the visitors winning 3-1 against Fenerbahce away from home.
Rangers will have players like John Souttar back in the starting lineup, with the centre-back suspended for the first leg.
Mohamed Diomande will also be back for Ferguson, but Ianis Hagi may give the interim manager some selection headaches.
The Romania international has been brilliant for the Light Blues in recent matches, but his future at Ibrox is up in the air.
Cyriel Dessers has been the first-choice number nine after pipping Hamza Igamane in the pecking order, and the Nigeria international will need to take his chances if he starts.
The Europa League is the Glaswegian outfit’s only chance of silverware this season, and they’ll arguably want to keep the dream alive for as long as possible.