Athletic Club are gearing up for their trip from the Basque Country to Glasgow as they prepare to face Rangers in the Europa League.
The La Liga side have added motivation this season, with their home ground, San Mamés, set to host the Europa League Final in May.
However, they’ll be without experienced left-back Yuri Berchiche for the clash at Ibrox, as the 35-year-old is sidelined due to a muscle injury.
Athletic have been cautioned about the threat Rangers pose, and their travelling fans have now been advised to avoid a specific area of Glasgow on matchday.
Athletic fans advised to steer clear of Rangers stronghold
Supporters of Athletic Club have been urged to avoid Paisley Road West—the area around Ibrox that’s typically packed with Rangers fans on matchdays.
Instead, Athletic fans are being encouraged to spend their pre-match hours in Glasgow’s City Centre and Merchant City areas. The fixture is set to kick off at 8pm, with away supporters allowed to enter the stadium from 6:30pm.
To minimise risk of clashes, visiting fans are also being advised to use Govan subway station when heading to the stadium.
The safety advice follows recent UEFA fines for both clubs. Athletic were penalised for supporter misconduct during their Round of 16 clash with AS Roma, while Rangers received a fine and a suspended stand closure over an offensive banner.
Rangers extend a warm welcome to Basque visitors
Despite the tensions, Rangers are showing hospitality toward their Spanish guests. Banners in the Basque language have been displayed outside Ibrox, including one that reads “Ongi etorri Ibroxera”—translated as “Welcome to Ibrox.”
To further welcome the travelling fans, Rangers will also host a Spanish-language stadium tour the morning after the match, with the guided session set for 11:30am on Friday. Athletic supporters are invited to purchase tickets and take part in the special tour.
