Nigerian defender Leon Balogun suffered a head collision while Cyriel Dessers was also in action as Rangers crashed out of the Europa League after a disappointing 2-0 loss to Athletic Bilbao at the San Mames Barria on Thursday.
After a goalless first leg encounter at Glasgow, Athletic Bilbao gained the advantage by opening the scoring in the closing seconds of the first half through a well-taken penalty by Oihan Sancet.
The Spanish club doubled their lead in the 80th minute as a perfect cross from Oscar de Marcos found Nico Williams who headed in from close range to secure his side’s qualification for the semi-final.
Prior to Nico Williams’ goal, Leon Balogun and John Souttar clashed heads in the Rangers penalty box. The Nigerian defender came off worse, requiring further treatment from the physio team before being substituted for Hamza Igamane as the visitors launched a desperate attempt for an equaliser.
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Despite not scoring, Cyriel Dessers could have given Rangers a positive start to the game, but his penalty appeal — after Vivian grabbed a chunk of his shirt and ripped it — fell to deaf ears before he was booked by the referee for dissent.
Nonetheless, the result means that Athletic Bilbao will now face Manchester United in the semi-final as they continue their quest to lift the Europa League for the first time ever. Meanwhile, Rangers will shift their focus to the league where they face St. Mirren on Saturday, April 26.
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