Athletic Bilbao fire Celtic dig at Rangers ahead of Europa League clash
Rangers may have received a bigger motivation for the Europa League clashes with Athletic Bilbao next month.
Barry Ferguson is hoping to guide the Ibrox outfit past the Spanish side and into the semi-finals of the tournament to increase his chance of landing the permanent role.
Motivation in Govan is already pretty high, given that the competition represents their only chance of success following a dismal domestic campaign.
However, a little bit of extra spice has been added after the latest social media post from the La Liga club.
Barry Ferguson managing Rangers
Ferguson is hoping to take the Gers to European success. (Credit: Imago)
Bilbao take fire at Rangers with Celtic post
Rangers had the last laugh over arch-rivals Celtic before the international break with a stunning Old Firm victory.
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However, the Hoops could get their revenge when the Gers face off with the Spaniards in mid-April as the two clubs have close ties.
The sides first faced off in a friendly match in 2011 in San Mames which finished 0-0 and the La Liga outfit posted a throwback to that match before a follow up post that indirectly mocked the Light Blues.
Bilbao were the opponents for James Forrest’s testimonial match and visited Celtic Park but were beaten 3-2 and the post labelled the Bhoys stadium as “paradise.”
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🗓️ On 1 August 2023, we finally went to Paradise.
James Forrest chose @Athletic_en to be the opponents for his testimonial.
🟢⚪ A belter of a match, @CelticFC won 3️⃣-2️⃣ on a special day. pic.twitter.com/4UxTekvTSW
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) March 26, 2025
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Rangers need to beat Bilbao
Although not a direct shot at the Govan outfit, it will give the Gers an extra reason to beat the Basque side.
They already have enough motivation though, given that the dismal reign of Philippe Clement has left them unable to catch Celtic in the Scottish Premiership and out of both domestic cup competitions.
Ferguson has turned around the atmosphere at the club and if his side can get past Bilbao, it would be a remarkable achievement and put the Auchenhowie side in a really good position to start dreaming about continental success and forgetting the nightmare season that has seen them fall so far behind.
Perhaps the Gers can go one better than they did in the heartbreaking final that they lost on penalties to Eintracht Frankfurt under Giovani Van Bronckhorst, only time will tell but progressing from a tough quarter-final would give them a world of confidence.
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