Ten-man Rangers hold Bilabo to a goalless draw at the UEL

Rangers held Athletic Bilbao to an exciting goalless draw at home on Thursday, despite being reduced to 10 men early in the first leg of their Europa League quarterfinal.

Bilbao failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage when Rangers defender Robin Propper was sent off for a foul on Inaki Williams in the 13th minute.

In the first half, the visitors, who are playing in a major European competition for the first time since 2015–16, had a couple clear-cut opportunities, with Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams both coming close. But with a series of superb stops, goalie Liam Kelly kept them at bay.

The Scottish Premiership squad put up a strong defense and even appeared threatened after Cyriel Dessers missed a long-range attempt.

The game was delayed for seven minutes in the second half due to an injury received by 18-year-old Bailey Rice, who was carried off on a stretcher after being knocked to the head.

Bilbao, who finished second in the league round, thought they had broken the tie when a replacement, Alex Berenguer, scored in the 76th minute.

A penalty was awarded because the ball deflected off defender James Tavernier’s hand before it reached the goal, even though a VAR review found that the winger was offside.

For the first time in their last 19 games, Bilbao failed to score in a European match. Goalie Kelly once again saved the day against Berenguer, making a crucial stop to keep the score tied.

For a trip to the final in Bilbao, the winners will play either Lyon or Manchester United, who drew 2-2 in the first leg.

San Mames Stadium in Bilbao will host the rematch on Thursday of next week.