Athletic Club Beats Rangers: A Celtic Fan's Delight
So, the Europa League quarter-final between Athletic Club and Rangers? It wasn't just a football match, it was a whole drama unfolding right before our eyes. A 2-0 win for Athletic Club, sure, but the real story? It's a tangled web of long-standing friendships, intense rivalries, and – let's be honest – a healthy dose of schadenfreude for a certain Scottish fanbase.
A Friendship Forged on the Pitch
Athletic Club and Celtic? They're practically best buds. It all started with a friendly back in 2011. Then-Celtic manager Neil Lennon famously pointed out their shared "philosophy, tradition, and history." And it’s not just talk; in 2019, Athletic Club posthumously honored Celtic legend Billy McNeill with their One Club Man award. Pretty cool, right?
Athletic Club's Commanding Performance
Athletic Club, comfortably cruising in La Liga, were the clear favorites going into the match. Rangers, on the other hand, were having a bit of a rough season. The first leg ended 0-0, a bit of a snoozefest, if I'm honest. But the second leg at San Mamés? That was a different story. Athletic completely dominated, peppering the Rangers goal with 22 shots to their 7. Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams bagged the goals securing a 2-0 victory. Rangers complained about some refereeing decisions – a potential penalty shout, for instance – but, let’s face it, their overall performance wasn't up to par.
Celtic's Unexpected Show of Support
But here's where things get really interesting. Imagine this: You're at San Mamés, and amidst a sea of Athletic Club’s red and white, you start seeing…green and white hoops? Yes, Celtic fans, in full force, cheering on Athletic Club! It was an incredible show of solidarity, a testament to that unique bond between the two clubs. And honestly, who wasn't secretly loving the added drama of seeing Rangers' European hopes dashed?
Controversy and Celebrations
After the match, the celebrations were a little…bittersweet. Rangers manager Barry Ferguson was understandably furious about some of the referee's calls. The referee, Irfan Peljto, has a bit of a reputation for controversial decisions, which didn’t exactly help matters. Meanwhile, you can only imagine the celebrations among Celtic fans. It was a perfect storm of unexpected alliances and long-held rivalries, all rolled into one spectacular match.
More Than Just a Game
Athletic Club’s win over Rangers wasn't just about football; it was a powerful symbol of a truly unusual friendship. Seeing all those Celtic fans at San Mamés? That just added another layer to this already fascinating story of cross-continental football rivalries and unlikely alliances. It’s a reminder that football, at its best, is more than just a game.
