Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde has urged caution ahead of tonight’s UEFA Europa League quarterfinal second leg against Glasgow Rangers, emphasizing the Scottish side’s strength on the road and the attacking threat posed by Nigerian forward Cyriel Dessers.
The first leg at Ibrox ended in a goalless draw, with Rangers reduced to ten men after centre-back Robin Proper was shown a red card in the 13th minute for a foul on Iñaki Williams. Despite the numerical advantage, Athletic failed to capitalize.
Dessers, who has faced criticism in recent weeks, including being booed by fans after missing nine chances against Dundee, will be looking to bounce back and lead Rangers to a semifinal berth. Known for his resilience, the Nigerian forward had a rare chance to score in the first leg but saw his effort saved. He was eventually substituted for Hamza Iganmade in the 85th minute.
With both teams starting with a full squad in the second leg, Rangers will be aiming to replicate their impressive 3-1 away win over José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce earlier in the competition.
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Speaking ahead of the game, Valverde believes Rangers are especially dangerous away from home and highlighted Dessers’ movement and counter-attacking ability as key threats his team must neutralize at the Estadio de San Mamés.
“They have players who use space very well. Dessers is a beacon up front and a real threat on the counter,” Valverde said during his pre-match press conference.
“Cerny is like a bullet — very accurate in front of goal. Maybe that’s why they perform better away from home. Their counter-attacking play is dangerous, and we need to be mindful of that. But we also intend to be dangerous to them,” he added.
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