Athletic Club’s Win Over Rangers Strengthens Bond With Celtic, Delights Hoops Fans
Celtic and Athletic Club have shared a unique friendship for over a decade — one rooted in shared values, footballing philosophy, and mutual respect.
The connection dates back to a 2011 friendly in Spain, where then-Celtic boss Neil Lennon remarked, “Both clubs share a similar philosophy, tradition, and history.” That bond deepened in 2019 when Athletic honoured Celtic legend Billy McNeill with their prestigious One Club Man award following his passing.
So when Athletic drew Rangers in this year’s Europa League quarter-finals, the ties to Celtic made the encounter all the more compelling.
Rangers, already enduring a turbulent season marked by Philippe Clement’s exit, managed a 0-0 draw in the first leg at Ibrox. But in the return fixture in Bilbao, the La Liga side proved too strong, defeating the Scottish club 2-0 to advance to the semi-finals.
However, it wasn’t just Athletic’s performance on the pitch that caught attention. Celtic fans were thrilled to see green and white hoops among the red-and-white sea at San Mamés, with even Celtic flags spotted in the stands — a symbolic gesture of solidarity from Athletic fans.
Oihan Sancet’s first-half stoppage-time penalty and Nico Williams’ late header sealed the result. Athletic outclassed Rangers, racking up 22 shots to their 7 and dominating possession throughout.
There was a flashpoint in the tie, with Rangers left frustrated after no penalty was awarded for a blatant shirt pull on Cyriel Dessers, but ultimately they failed to capitalise over both legs and saw their European hopes come to a close.
Back in Scotland, Celtic supporters revelled in the result. The shared history between Celtic and Athletic made the victory extra satisfying, especially given the ongoing rivalry with Rangers.
One fan summed up the mood, celebrating not just Athletic’s triumph but Celtic’s promising season ahead:
“Celtic chasing a treble, Tierney in the Champions League semis, Ange in the Europa League — and Rangers winning nothing again.”
Another called it “a great night for the hate watchers,” as fans across Glasgow enjoyed a dose of European schadenfreude.
With plenty still to play for, Celtic’s season continues on a high — while Rangers’ campaign ends in disappointment, both at home and abroad.
