Athletic Bilbao Fans Gear Up to Create Celtic-Like Atmosphere to Unsettle Rangers in Europa League Return Leg
As Athletic Bilbao prepares to host Rangers in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie at the iconic San Mamés Stadium on April 17, 2025, the Basque faithful are ready to turn up the heat. Inspired by the electric atmosphere often generated by Celtic supporters during high-stakes Old Firm clashes, Bilbao’s passionate fans are planning to create a cauldron of noise and intimidation to rattle the Scottish side and push their team toward the semi-finals.
Athletic Bilbao and Celtic share a deep connection that stretches back over a decade, rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and a fierce sense of regional identity. This bond was forged during a friendly match in 2011 at San Mamés, where the warm camaraderie between the two sets of supporters left a lasting impression on the Basque club. The relationship was further strengthened in 2019 when Bilbao honored Celtic legend Billy McNeill with their prestigious “One Club Man” award, and again in 2023 during a testimonial match for James Forrest at Celtic Park, where Bilbao officials laid flowers at McNeill’s statue.
This affinity has led Bilbao fans to openly embrace Celtic’s rivalry with Rangers, their Europa League opponents. In the first leg at Ibrox, which ended in a dramatic 0-0 draw despite Rangers playing with 10 men for most of the match, Bilbao supporters were already spotted in Glasgow’s George Square, proudly singing Celtic chants like “Celtic Glasgow” and waving Basque flags. Some even donned Scottish kilts, blending their cultural pride with a nod to their Celtic allies. These displays were a clear message to Rangers: Bilbao’s fans are not just here to support their team—they’re here to get under their skin.
San Mamés, often dubbed “The Cathedral,” is renowned for its intense atmosphere, particularly during European nights. With a capacity of over 53,000, the stadium becomes a wall of red and white when Bilbao’s ultras and supporters unite. The first leg showed Bilbao’s attacking dominance, with 19 shots and over 70% possession, yet they couldn’t breach Rangers’ resolute defense, thanks to a heroic penalty save by goalkeeper Liam Kelly. Now, with the tie finely balanced, Bilbao’s fans are determined to make the return leg a different story.
Drawing inspiration from Celtic Park’s spine-chilling roar during matches against Rangers, Bilbao supporters plan to transform San Mamés into a relentless sea of noise. Chants of “Athleti, Athleti” and traditional Basque songs will reverberate through the stands, with the ultras leading the charge. The club’s unique philosophy of fielding only Basque players adds an extra layer of pride, and the fans will channel this into a display designed to unnerve Rangers’ players and supporters alike.
Celtic’s home atmosphere is legendary for its ability to unsettle opponents, particularly Rangers, during Old Firm derbies. The Green Brigade’s tifos, non-stop singing, and unrelenting pressure create a psychological edge that often tilts the game in Celtic’s favor. Bilbao’s fans, aware of this dynamic, aim to replicate it. Social media posts from Bilbao supporters have already hinted at choreographed displays and provocative banners, with some playfully suggesting nods to Celtic’s dominance over Rangers to irk the visiting side.
The connection to Celtic isn’t just symbolic. Bilbao’s fans know that many Celtic supporters will be cheering them on, hoping for a Rangers defeat to fuel the Glasgow rivalry. This shared sentiment was evident when Bilbao’s official social media accounts posted a nostalgic tribute to their 2011 friendly with Celtic just weeks before the first leg, a move interpreted by many as a subtle dig at Rangers. Expect San Mamés to amplify this narrative, with fans potentially serenading Rangers with Celtic-inspired chants to maximize the psychological warfare
Rangers, under interim manager Barry Ferguson, showed resilience in the first leg, surviving an early red card to Robin Propper and a late penalty scare. However, the second leg presents a different beast. Playing away at San Mamés, where Bilbao have lost only once in their last 15 European home games, is a formidable task. The Spanish side, managed by Ernesto Valverde, will look to capitalize on their home advantage, with players like Iñaki Williams and Álex Berenguer eager to break the deadlock.
Ferguson himself acknowledged the challenge, saying after the first leg, “We need to be in this tie, and the tie is there for us to go and try to get through.” But Rangers’ recent domestic struggles, including five straight losses at Ibrox before the Bilbao draw, suggest vulnerabilities that Bilbao’s fans will ruthlessly target. The Gers’ traveling support, known for their own passionate displays, will face a hostile reception, with Bilbao’s ultras likely to drown out any noise from the away end.
For Athletic Bilbao, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Europa League final will be held at San Mamés on May 21, 2025, offering the tantalizing prospect of a home triumph. The fans see this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and their determination to reach that stage will fuel an atmosphere designed to intimidate and inspire in equal measure. By channeling the spirit of Celtic’s most fervent nights, Bilbao’s supporters aim to create a spectacle that not only taunts Rangers but also propels their team one step closer to European glory.
As the teams take to the pitch, expect San Mamés to erupt in a display of pride, passion, and provocation. Rangers will need every ounce of their European pedigree to withstand the Basque onslaught—both on the field and in the stands. For Bilbao’s fans, it’s not just about winning; it’s about sending a message, with a nod to their Celtic friends, that Rangers won’t forget anytime soon.
Sources: Information drawn from reports on Athletic Bilbao’s fan activities, their historical connection with Celtic, and the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final tie.
