Liam Kelly saves penalty to secure draw for 10-man Rangers

In a thrilling Europa League quarter-final first leg, Rangers faced Athletic Club at Ibrox in Scotland. The match unfolded on a tense evening where Rangers were reduced to ten players after Robin Propper was sent off in just the 13th minute for a reckless tackle on Iñaki Williams. Despite the early setback, Rangers managed to stay resolute, relying heavily on their goalkeeper, Liam Kelly, who was brought in for his first start in weeks. Kelly's performance was crucial; he made several key saves, including a brilliant stop from a penalty kick taken by Alex Berenguer in the 79th minute. Athletic Club looked dangerous throughout the match. They initially believed they had taken the lead shortly after Berenguer joined the field, but their goal was disallowed for offside due to a VAR review. This led to a penalty being awarded instead for handball against Dujon Sterling, a decision that caused confusion among players and fans alike. As the game progressed, Rangers were clearly under pressure but exhibited a commendable spirit, defending passionately even after losing a player. This intense commitment was acknowledged by their interim manager, Barry Ferguson, who expressed pride in his team’s effort. As the game approached its conclusion, Rangers found themselves in an even more precarious situation; an injury saw them finish the match with just nine players after all substitutes were utilized. Nonetheless, they managed to hold Athletic Club at bay and secured a vital goalless draw, setting the stage for a highly anticipated second leg match in Spain. Ferguson's decision to start Kelly over No. 1 goalkeeper Jack Butland, who had faced criticism for recent performances, proved to be a masterstroke, reinforcing the importance of tactical choices in high-stakes matches like these. The draw maintained Rangers’ hope in the competition, demonstrating resilience and a fighting spirit against a strong Spanish side. Their defensive organization, particularly in light of both their numerical disadvantage and previous domestic struggles, was a notable aspect of their performance. With the second leg to come, Rangers will aim to build on this result, looking to advance further in the tournament amidst a challenging domestic season.