Rangers and Athletic Bilbao face off in a crucial Europa League match, with both teams eager to secure a victory that could significantly impact their standings. Rangers, playing at home, will look to leverage their attacking prowess, having scored an average of 1.9 goals per match this season. However, their defense has been somewhat porous, conceding 1.3 goals on average, which could be a concern against a dynamic Athletic Bilbao side.
Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, boasts a slightly better defensive record, conceding just 1 goal per match. Their offensive capabilities are also noteworthy, with an average of 1.9 goals per game, matching Rangers' output. The Basque team will aim to capitalize on their superior possession stats, averaging 53.6%, to control the game and create scoring opportunities.
The odds favor Athletic Bilbao slightly, with a probability of 44.8% for an away win, compared to Rangers' 31.9% chance of winning at home. The draw stands at 29.2%, indicating a closely contested match. Given these odds, Athletic Bilbao might be expected to edge out Rangers, but the home advantage could play a crucial role for the Scottish side.