(credit: Imago and TNT Sport)

Rangers scars to reopen after what happened in Athletic Bilbao v Man United

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior sports journalist with experience at GRV Media and VAVEL; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Exclusive content, statistical analysis, and deep-dive reporting across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Max utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, exclusive reporting and data-driven insight. He provides the intelligence behind the stories to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

01 May 2025, 3:53 pm

Rangers are bound to be fuming after watching Manchester United face Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League on Thursday.

The Gers are sitting at home now watching the Red Devils facing off against the LaLiga outfit in the semi-final on 1 May.

This comes just weeks after Barry Ferguson's side were dumped out of the European competition at the hands of Ernesto Valverde's side.

It is fair to say that this defeat wasn't without its controversy, and now the Light Blues have been reminded of this thanks to Man United.

Rangers and Barry Ferguson lost to Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League (Credit: Imago)

Rangers to fume after Man United v Athletic Bilbao penalty

When the Govan club travelled to Spain, they needed the luck to go in their favour if they were to secure a famous win after a goalless draw in the first leg.

Ultimately, it wasn't to be as Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams scored the goals to end any hopes of a final four spot at Ibrox.

Things could have been so different if Cyriel Dessers had been awarded a penalty after his shirt was ripped by Daniel Vivian.

The Spain international clearly had a hold of the 30-year-old's shirt, who was brought down inside the penalty area, but no spot kick was given.

Fast forward to the present day, and the Red Devils have been given a penalty for an extremely similar incident at San Mames Barria.

Vivian was once again involved, as he was eventually penalised for pulling Rasmus Hojlund back before being sent off for denying a goal-scoring opportunity.

It is fair to say that this is bound to leave the Rangers' Nigerian striker and the supporters fuming as their Europa League journey was cut short.

Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers is likely to be fuming (Credit: Imago)

Rangers suffer from VAR inconsistency in Europa League

Things don't always go for you, but when Dessers' shirt was ripped, there was no doubt in anyone's mind that it should have been a penalty.

This could have changed the tide of the season in G51 as the Gers looked to succeed on the Europa League front.

There is little doubt that Athletic Bilbao deserved to win the tie after their collective performance, but should have been challenged from the spot regardless.

Stat	Athletic Club	Rangers
Possession	56	44
Expected goals	2.70	0.54
Shots	22	7
Big chances	4	2

Athletic Club v Rangers Europa League second leg stats

Now Ferguson and Co. are left to ponder what if, in what is a frustrating act of inconsistency from the officials in the Europa League.

Cyriel Dessers