ATHLETIC BILBAO don’t need any extra incentive to beat Rangers tonight.

Progression to the semi-finals of the Europa League and the fact the final of the competition will be held in their stadium is reason enough.

But how about the bond the Spanish club’s fans have with Gers’ arch rivals for some added motivation?

The Basque side and Celtic established a mutual friendship 14 years ago when the teams met in a friendly.

Since then they have fostered a deep connection, with appreciation for each other’s traditions and identity.

in 2019, the Spaniards honoured legendary Hoops captain Billy McNeill with their One Club Man award, even being given a standing ovation by Bilbao fans when his daughter and former team mate John Clark accepted the award on his behalf.

Four years later when the club was chosen to be the opponents for James Forrest‘s testimonial, Bilbao directors laid flowers at McNeill’s statue outside Celtic Park.

With all that history, supporters in attendance tonight were keen to show their true colours inside Ibrox.

Some fans held up a Celtic top while another group unfurled a Republic of Ireland flag as an ode to Celtic’s Irish heritage.

Another trio of visiting fans got their hands on a Celtic scarf and displayed it above their heads in the away end.

And one punter was pictured wearing a Celtic bucket hat.

While not in-keeping with the Celtic theme, one Bilbao supporter was spotted by the TNT Sports cameras wearing a Scots kilt.

In terms of the match itself, Rangers were dealt a blow early in the first half when Robin Propper was sent off following a VAR review.

It was a bitter blow to Light Blues boss Barry Ferguson, who picked a “bold” starting XI for the quarter-final clash – in which he DROPPED Jack Butland and gave a rare start to youngster Bailey Rice.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page