2/10 is disgrace, 10/10 perfect – Rangers player ratings v Athletic Bilbao
Rangers performed valiantly to hold Athletic Bilbao to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final after being reduced to 10 men early on.
Bilbao and Alex Berenguer thought they had scored late on, but his goal was chalked off by VAR, who instead awarded the visitors a penalty, judging that Dujon Sterling had committed a handball.
Liam Kelly saved the penalty, helping his reduced squad hold on after Robin Propper unnecessarily handed the Bears a mountain to climb when he was shown an early red card.
Ibrox News hands out the Rangers player ratings out of 10.
Liam Kelly – 10
A bold call from Ferguson to include him over Butland. He wasn’t tested until the closing stages of the first half when he did well to catch Oihan Sancet’s goal-bound header. More than proved his worth when he saved Berenguer’s penalty. A heroic moment on his European debut for Rangers, perfect.
Dujon Sterling – 6
Played his part in a largely solid defensive display from the Gers in the first half. Made a fantastic block to deny Maroan Sannadi a clear shot on Kelly’s goal. Unlucky to have conceded a penalty for handball. Kelly ensured there was no serious consequence of that.
Robin Propper – 2
Received a red card for chopping down Bilbao’s Inaki Williams after just 12 minutes after a VAR review. Arguably unlucky to have seen his yellow card upgraded to a red, but it was very clumsy to give the referee such a significant decision to make so early into the tie. Disgrace.
Leon Balogun – 8
Did well to block Inaki Williams’ shot in the first half shortly after Propper’s dismissal. Began the second half very well, seemingly clearing every ball that came his way and maintained those exceptional standards until the very end.
James Tavernier – 7
Crossed in a free-kick which Bilbao failed to successfully deal with, resulting in a decent opportunity for Dessers. Strong out of possession, keeping Nico Williams quiet.
Bailey Rice – 6
Solid but unspectacular performance from the 18-year-old. Displayed great maturity against tough opposition. Suffered an injury after a collision, which the Gers will hope is not too serious and was forced to make way for Connor Barron, leaving the pitch via a stretcher.
Nico Raskin – 7
Showed his tenacity in the midfield battle, as well as his quality on the ball in tight areas.
Ridvan Yilmaz – 6
Dropped into central defence after Propper’s red card. Was replaced by Jefte beyond the hour mark after a thoroughly decent display, albeit with nervous moments.
Vaclav Cerny – 7
Was relatively lively in the first half. Faced a lack of service after Rangers were reduced to 10 men. Delivered a brilliant set-piece which Dessers couldn’t head home. Worked hard all second half.
Cyriel Dessers – 6
Struck a threatening effort wide of the Bilbao goal after Tavernier’s set-piece was cleared away into his path. Couldn’t direct his header goalwards when he was picked out by Vaclav Cerny’s dangerous cross from a free kick. Was isolated in the second half, but did well to feed off scraps when he could.
Ianis Hagi – 6
Worked hard to track back and help Yilmaz with his defensive responsibilities up against Williams.
Substitutes
Connor Barron (for Rice, 67) – 6
Was brought on for the last half hour after Rice’s injury. Followed in the 18-year-old’s footsteps with a hardworking performance but didn’t produce excitement.
Jefte (for Yilmaz, 67) – 6
Rightfully seen as a more attacking option than Yilmaz, but proved his defensive solidity on the night.
Hamza Igamane (for Dessers, 85)
Nedim Bajrami
(for Hagi, 90+5)
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