Rangers’ Europa League run is over after they were defeated 2-0 by Athletic Bilbao at the San Mames.
Level after the goalless first leg at Ibrox last week, it was the Spanish side who progress to the semi-finals after goals from Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams settled the tie 2-0 on aggregate.
Athletic Bilbao started strongly and created openings through Sancet and Williams, although Rangers had legitimate claims for a penalty when Cyriel Dessers had his shirt tugged by Dani Vivian.
The Gers tried valiantly to cling on to a 0-0 before the break under increasing pressure, but could not hold out when John Souttar fouled Maroan Sannadi in stoppage time. Sancet stepped up and sent Rangers goalkeeper Liam Kelly the wrong way.
Rangers had a great chance early in the second half to level when Nicolas Raskin’s effort was turned on to the post by Athletic keeper Julen Agirrezabala as Barry Ferguson’s men pushed for a leveller.
However, it was Williams who sealed the deal for the hosts when he evaded James Tavernier and headed home an Oscar de Marcos cross from close range.
It brings an end to Rangers’ Europa League campaign and the last-eight phase, with attention now turning to the final fives games of the Premiership season.
5. Leon Balogun
Was strong in the air. Conceded a needless foul and picked up a booking in the first half for foul on Sannadi. Suffered a nasty head knock right at the start of the second half was was replaced by Igamane. 4 | AP
6. Jefte
His defensive frailties were exposed when Bilbao came down his flank, although made big block on Berenguer to stop a potentially lethal counter. Unable to do much in an attacking sense. 5 | Getty Images
7. Nicolas Raskin
Tireless worker in midfield as he chased red-and-white shirts like a young bull. Came so close to an equaliser when his close-range shot was diverted onto the post by Agirrezabala. Will have surely caught eyes with recent displays for club and country as a defensive-minded midfielder. 7 | Getty Images
8. Mohamed Diomande
Started the game well in the centre of midfield but was moved out to the left flank when Yilmaz went off injured. This constrained his game and he wasn't as effective thereafter. Never stopped going, though. 6 | Getty Images