John Souttar in trouble, Nico Raskin shines – Rangers ratings v Athletic Bilbao
Barry Ferguson’s side could leave Spain with their heads held high despite Rangers’ defeat to Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League.
It was an incredibly tough visit to the La Liga giants on Thursday, 17 April, but it could have been the Light Blues who drew first blood after Cyriel Dessers was brought down in the penalty area.
Ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett told Football Insider he was baffled that Rangers were not awarded a spot kick.
With referee Irfan Peljto completely unmoved, and VAR not getting involved, Bilbao eventually opened the lead via a spot-kick following a rather clumsy challenge from John Souttar.
The Light Blues pushed with all their might for an elusive equaliser, only for Arsenal-linked forward Nico Williams to double his side’s lead and secure their spot in the semi-finals instead of Ferguson’s side.
John Souttar’s blunder gifts Athletic Bilbao the opener
Liam Kelly – 5
Very little that Jack Butland’s replacement could do to stop either of Athletic Bilbao’s goals in their Europa League victory.
Ridvan Yilmaz (Off for Barron 23′) – 5
A decent cameo, but difficult to give him any higher after lasting just 23 minutes before suffering his latest injury.
James Tavernier – 6
Despite struggling to deal with the pace of Nico Williams, it was a very mature performance from the 33-year-old, even creating chances going forward as well. Was caught napping for the second goal.
John Souttar – 2
Ultimately, his clumsiness led to the Gers going one goal behind, and it left his teammates with a mountain to climb at the San Mames Barria Stadium.
Leon Balogun (Off for Igamane 50′) – 6
Despite being 36 years of age, he took the challenge against Bilbao’s pacey forwards and held his own, right up until having to be replaced after a huge collision.
Nico Raskin runs the show for Rangers
Jefte – 3
Had zero impact going forward. Missed far too many duels in defence. An all-around poor performance from the Brazilian, but it was a tough night for all involved.
Nico Raskin – 8 – Man of the Match
Midfield masterclass. He was allowed more license to travel forward, causing chaos in the penalty area with his late runs. It has become clear why Rangers are fearing Raskin’s exit this summer.
Mohammed Diomande (Off for Danilo 84′) – 5
A very quiet performance by Diomande’s standards. Likely because of Raskin, he could not get forward as much, and the defensive side to his game is not quite the same as his Belgian teammate.
Vaclav Cerny (Off for Bajrami 84′) – 6
Seemed to be a constant threat down the right flank whenever the Light Blues could get the ball to him, though he either made the wrong decision in the final third or shot straight at the goalkeeper.
Ianis Hagi (Off for Nsiala 46′) – 4
Had a very positive start to the game, but with the Gers under pressure for much of the first half, his impact diminished, and he needed to be replaced.
Cyriel Dessers denied stonewall penalty in Europa League clash
Cyriel Dessers – 7
Caused mass panic for the Bilbao defenders, and a challenge on Dessers should have seen Rangers awarded a penalty, but the final ball just never came to him.
Substitutes
Connor Barron (On for Yilmaz 23′) – 6
At just 22 years of age, it was a very mature display in a very intense match. Has struggled in recent weeks, but it was positive to see away from Ibrox.
Clinton Nsiala (On for Hagi 46′) – 6
A decent display in the centre of defence, especially after being thrown into the action at half-time.
Hamza Igamane (On for Balogun 50′) – 4
Really didn’t make the expected impact, with Bilbao keeping the majority of possession. His performance was massively limited.
Nedim Bajrami (On for Cerny 84′) – 3
Like Igamane, he offered very little in the final third.
Danilo (On for Diomande 84′) – 5
Offered some threat in his limited minutes on the pitch, but it was too little, too late.