Athletic Bilbao Fans Rally Behind Celtic with Unusual Chants in Rangers Clash
In a vibrant display of football camaraderie, Athletic Bilbao supporters brought an unexpected twist to their Europa League quarter-final first leg against Rangers at Ibrox Stadium on April 10, 2025. While the match ended in a hard-fought 0-0 draw, it was the actions of Bilbao’s traveling fans that stole headlines, as they openly expressed their allegiance to Rangers’ arch-rivals, Celtic, through a series of peculiar chants that echoed through Glasgow.
The connection between Athletic Bilbao and Celtic is not new. Rooted in a shared sense of cultural pride and regional identity—Basque for Bilbao, Irish for Celtic—the bond was forged over a decade ago during a friendly match in 2011. This relationship was further cemented in 2015 when Bilbao’s directors paid tribute at Celtic Park during James Forrest’s testimonial, laying flowers at the statue of Celtic legend Billy McNeill. However, the Bilbao fans’ vocal support for Celtic in the heart of Rangers’ territory added a fresh layer of intrigue to an already intense European night.
As hundreds of Bilbao supporters gathered in Glasgow’s George Square before the game, their red-and-white striped shirts created a sea of color. Amid chants of “Athleti, Athleti” and traditional Basque songs, a surprising refrain emerged: “Celtic Glasgow.” The chant, captured by onlookers and shared widely online, caught many Rangers fans off guard. Some Bilbao supporters even took it a step further, reportedly adapting their club anthems with lyrics praising Celtic’s green and white, a move described by local observers as both bold and bizarre given the heated Old Firm rivalry.
On the pitch, the match was a gritty affair. Rangers, reduced to 10 men early after Robin Pröpper’s controversial red card, leaned heavily on goalkeeper Liam Kelly, who emerged as the hero with a crucial penalty save from Bilbao’s Alex Berenguer. Despite dominating possession with over 70% of the ball, Bilbao struggled to break through Rangers’ resolute defense, setting the stage for a tense second leg in San Mamés on April 17.
Off the pitch, however, Bilbao’s fans seemed just as focused on their Celtic affinity as on their own team’s performance. Some were spotted wearing Celtic scarves, while others engaged in friendly exchanges with local Celtic supporters who mingled in the square. One Bilbao fan, clad in a traditional Scots kilt, summed up the mood: “We love the passion of Celtic fans. It’s like us in Bilbao—football is our heart, our identity.”
The chants didn’t sit well with all Rangers supporters. Social media buzzed with reactions, ranging from amusement to frustration. “Bilbao singing for Celtic at Ibrox? That’s a new one,” posted one fan, while another quipped, “They’re here to play us, not serenade our rivals!” Yet, for many, the display was a reminder of football’s ability to forge unlikely alliances across borders.
The Bilbao-Celtic connection also carries a competitive edge. With Bilbao hosting this season’s Europa League final, their fans see parallels with Celtic’s dreams of European glory. “Celtic won in ’67; maybe it’s our turn in ’25,” one supporter told a Glasgow news outlet, referencing Celtic’s historic European Cup triumph. For now, though, Bilbao’s focus remains on overcoming Rangers to keep that dream alive.
As the teams prepare for the return leg in Spain, the first-leg draw keeps the tie finely balanced. Rangers will need to summon another defiant performance, while Bilbao will look to capitalize on home advantage. But for one night in Glasgow, it was the Basque visitors’ heartfelt, if unconventional, tribute to Celtic that added a unique chapter to this European showdown.
Whether the chants were a playful jab or a genuine show of solidarity, they ensured Athletic Bilbao left an indelible mark on Ibrox—both as formidable opponents and as unlikely cheerleaders for Celtic’s cause.
