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.
9. Vaclav Cerny
Rangers' chief creative outlet was shut down pretty quickly by Bilbao, who had identified him as their 'bullet' beforehand. Had a few glimpses in the second half, but was well policed. 5 | PA
10. Ianis Hagi
His inclusion was a slight surprise, even if he did score last weekend against Aberdeen. Tasked with providing a bit of X-factor but spent most of the match defending. Came off at the break for Nsiala. 4 | Getty Images
11. Cyriel Dessers
Tasked with leading the line. His moment came when his shirt was clearly tugged by Vivian, who caused the front of the kit to ripped. Controversially, there wasn't even a VAR check. The Nigerian was the victim of robbery and never really recovered, not showing enough as a central striker and frustrating some of teammates. 5 | Getty Images
12. Rangers replacements
Connor Barron (5) came on early and was solid enough in midfield. Clinton Nsiala (5) was pitched in at the break as a centre-half and did well, while Hamza Igmane (above, 4) was a limited presence in attack and missed a good chance right at the death. Danilo (n/a) and Nedim Bajrami (n/a) appeared late on. | PA