Athletic Bilbao Faces Rangers in Europa League Quarter-Final

As Rangers prepare to face Athletic Club Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-finals, the unique philosophy of Athletic stands out. The club exclusively fields players from the Basque Country, a tradition maintained since 1911, which has contributed to their resilience in top-tier Spanish football. Despite financial constraints, Athletic recently secured their first Copa del Rey title in 40 years and is currently competing for a Champions League spot. Former player Ewan Urain believes Athletic has the advantage due to their current form and home advantage in the second leg, though acknowledges Rangers' European experience. Rangers are seeking to improve their recent home performance in the tournament, having struggled in past quarter-finals. The matchup promises to be a clash of styles, with both teams known for their direct and physical play.