Rangers player ratings as Nsiala takes his chance but Barron drops a stinker (2025)

The Light Blues' dreams of European success are over for another year after defeat in Bilbao

Dreams of European glory are over for Rangers as they were dumped out the Europa League by Athletic Bilbao.

After frustrating the La Liga big guns for much of the first-half, a clumsy John Souttar challenge gave Oihan Sancet the chance to give the Basques the lead from 12 yards - and he made no mistake, sending Liam Kelly the wrong way.

Star man Nico Williams added a second 10 minutes from time as any hopes of a return trip to Bilbao next month were shelved for the Light Blues, who now know that they will end the season without silverware.

Boss Barry Ferguson was also dealt more fresh injury woes as Ridvan Yilmaz was forced off early on, before a nasty head knock saw Leon Balogun also taken off. But fringe man Clinton Nsiala impressed on his European debut and could've played himself right back into Ferguson's plans.

Rangers player ratings

Liam Kelly - Couldn't repeat his penalty heroics but looked assured enough and pulled off a brave early stop to deny Williams. Kicking was poor and put Gers under pressure. 6

James Tavernier - Caught sleeping for the second goal and had been given a tough time all evening by livewire Williams. Wasted an early free-kick in a good position. 4

John Souttar - Paid the ultimate price for a clumsy foul on the stroke of half-time, whilst slack play earned teammate Tavernier a costly booking in the second-half. 4

Leon Balogun - One rash challenge aside looked like his usual reliable self and defended his box well. Forced off after a nasty facial injury early in the second-half. 6

Ridvan Yilmaz - Pulled off a terrific early block to deny the on-form Sancet before being forced off by injury inside the first 25 minutes. 4

Nico Raskin - Typically tenacious in a Rangers midfield that found itself swamped at times. Won back possession plenty of times and graft couldn't be faulted. 6

Mohamed Diomande - Shunted to left-back after Ridvan's injury, then up to left-wing and briefly back into centre-mid before being subbed but unselfishly did his bit. 6

Jefte - Surprise inclusion had an early scare which he survived, but looked like the weak link defensively and continually wasted possession. 4

Vaclav Cerny - Full of attacking intent and always looking to create something, but found it tough going. At the heart of everything as Rangers threatened a leveller. 6

Ianis Hagi - Worked hard covering Jefte early on but struggled to pose much of a threat. Took a sore one just before half-time and didn't emerge after the interval. 5

Cyriel Dessers - Had strong penalty shouts turned down after his shirt was literally ripped off. But then let frustration get the better of him and struggled to have an impact after a silly booking. 5

Subs

Connor Barron - On early for Yilmaz but struggled with the tempo of the game and found himself forced into desperate challenges all too often. Wasteful on the ball and failed to break up play. 4

Clinton Nsiala - Handed his European debut and looked steady in an atmosphere as intimidating as any he's likely to face. Did his chances no harm at all. 6

Hamza Igamane - Remains raw and unpredictable but adding something a bit different in attack, missed decent injury time chance in a rare Rangers opening. 4

Nedim Bajrami - A late sub after the second goal went in. 2

Danilo - On with Bajrami and could've netted almost instantly but was denied. 2