In the first leg of the 2025 Europa League quarter-finals, the encounter between Rangers vs Athletic Club at Ibrox Stadium turned into a thrilling, dramatic, and nerve-wracking affair. Despite being reduced to 10 men early on, Rangers managed to hold off the relentless pressure from Athletic Club, securing a valuable 0-0 draw. While Rangers‘ defense played a crucial role, Nigerian international Cyriel Dessers’ contributions were also essential to their efforts. The game was a battle of resilience, with both teams seeking to assert dominance, but it was ultimately the defensive strength and key saves from goalkeeper Liam Kelly that kept Rangers in the tie.
Early Red Card and Tactical Shift for Rangers
From the start, Rangers vs Athletic Club seemed like it would be a tough match for the Scottish side. Just 13 minutes in, Rangers‘ midfielder Robin Propper was shown a red card for a tackle on Athletic Club‘s Iñaki Williams. Initially given a yellow, the decision was upgraded after a VAR review, leaving Rangers with a significant disadvantage.
With Rangers now playing with 10 men, it was clear that Athletic Club would take full advantage. The Spanish team dominated possession, and their attacking play put Rangers under constant pressure. However, despite being a man down for the majority of the match, Rangers managed to hold firm, relying heavily on their defense, as well as key contributions from players like Cyriel Dessers, to weather the storm.
Cyriel Dessers: Fighting for Every Inch in Rangers vs Athletic Club
As Rangers struggled to gain possession, Cyriel Dessers worked tirelessly up front, playing a critical role even though his chances were limited. Dessers, known for his attacking prowess, had to adjust to the reality of playing in a more defensive-oriented game.
Cyriel Dessers played 85 minutes in Rangers vs Athletic Club, contributing in both defensive and offensive situations. With only 18 touches on the ball, Dessers was isolated in attack, but he did his best to make an impact. Although he didn’t register any shots on target, he managed to attempt 2 shots, though both were off target. Despite limited opportunities to attack, Dessers’ involvement in the game’s defensive duels showed his all-around work ethic.
Defensive Work in Rangers vs Athletic Club: Ground and Aerial Duels
Despite being under constant pressure from Athletic Club, Cyriel Dessers played his part defensively, winning 5 ground duels and 5 aerial duels, with 2 wins in each category. These statistics highlighted his willingness to contribute all over the field, even when his team was under siege. Dessers’ aerial dominance helped relieve pressure during set pieces and long balls from the Athletic Club side.
Dessers’ efforts in the air and on the ground allowed Rangers to clear some of the constant pressure from Athletic Club and hold their shape, despite their man disadvantage. While the forward did not manage to score or assist, his work rate in duels helped keep Rangers competitive in a game that was dominated by the visitors.
Key Moments in Rangers vs Athletic Club: Heroics from Liam Kelly
The defining moments of Rangers vs Athletic Club came in the form of key saves from Rangers‘ goalkeeper Liam Kelly. The Spanish side, desperate for a goal, had their chances, but Kelly stood firm. In the 76th minute, Athletic Club’s Alex Berenguer thought he had given his side the lead when his shot, initially saved by Kelly, rebounded to him to score into an empty net. However, a VAR review overturned the goal after it was ruled that Gorka Guruzeta had handled the ball in the buildup.
Immediately after, Athletic Club were awarded a penalty for a handball by Rangers’ Dujon Sterling. Despite the pressure, Kelly stepped up once again, diving to his left to save Berenguer’s penalty and preserve the 0-0 scoreline. This remarkable save was one of the highlights of the match and kept Rangers in the tie as they headed into the second leg.
Dessers’ Contributions in a Tough Match
In addition to his defensive duties, Cyriel Dessers was also involved in other areas of the game. He was fouled 2 times and committed no fouls himself, indicating his disciplined performance. He also found himself caught offside 1 time, as Rangers struggled to maintain attacking pressure. Despite these challenges, Dessers’ ability to contribute defensively and his commitment to the team were evident.
Dessers’ passing accuracy was somewhat underwhelming, completing only 5 of 10 passes at 50%, which reflects how little time Rangers spent in the attacking half. His touch count was also a result of Rangers’ inability to get out of their defensive third for significant periods during the game. However, Dessers’ work rate and his ability to contribute in aerial duels were vital in preventing Athletic Club from completely taking control of the match.
Statistical Breakdown of Rangers vs Athletic Club : Dessers’ Performance
Here is a closer look at Cyriel Dessers’ statistics from Rangers vs Athletic Club:
- Minutes Played: 85′
- Goals: 0
- Expected Goals (xG): 0.08
- Shots on Target: 0
- Shots Off Target: 2
- Shots Blocked: 0
- Dribble Attempts (Successful): 0 (0)
- Touches: 18
- Accurate Passes: 5/10 (50%)
- Key Passes: 0
- Ground Duels Won: 2 (5 attempts)
- Aerial Duels Won: 2 (5 attempts)
- Possession Lost: 7
- Fouls Committed: 0
- Fouls Suffered: 2
- Offsides: 1
- Clearances: 1
- Blocked Shots: 0
- Interceptions: 0
- Tackles: 0
- Dribbled Past: 1
Rangers’ Defensive Resilience and the Road Ahead
The match ended in a 0-0 draw, with Rangers vs Athletic Club turning into a defensive battle. Despite Rangers’ being a man down for most of the game, the team, led by Cyriel Dessers and goalkeeper Liam Kelly, held off Athletic Club’s attacking onslaught.
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Looking ahead, the return leg in Bilbao promises to be equally intense. With the tie still level, Rangers will need another resolute defensive performance if they are to progress to the semi-finals. Dessers, who played his part in both attack and defense, will need to step up in the second leg to ensure that Rangers have a chance to go through.
Conclusion: A Resilient Performance from Rangers vs Athletic Club
The Rangers vs Athletic Club first leg was a true test of character for the Scottish side. Despite the early red card and the pressure from the visitors, Rangers’ defense, led by Cyriel Dessers’ tireless work, stood firm. Kelly’s penalty save will be remembered as one of the key moments in the game, but Dessers’ contributions in duels and his defensive work were just as important.
As Rangers look forward to the second leg, they will rely on their defense once again, and Cyriel Dessers will be expected to lead the charge in attack. The 0-0 draw leaves the tie finely balanced, and fans of Rangers vs Athletic Club are in for another thrilling encounter in Spain.
