Athletic Club made perfect Celtic gesture as they knocked Rangers out of the Europa League

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Celtic and Athletic Club have a special bond that’s been going back for over a decade.

It all started with a friendly between the two clubs in Spain in 2011, where then-Celtic manager Neil Lennon explained why they gel so well: “Both clubs share a similar philosophy, tradition and history.”

It was only strengthened even further when Athletic Club presented Bhoys icon Billy McNeill with the One Club Man award, shortly after he passed away in 2019.

So it was always set to be interesting when the Bilbao club drew Rangers in the Europa League quarter-finals this year.

Sitting 4th in La Liga, Bilbao were favourites against Rangers, with the Scottish club enduring a difficult season that’s already seen manager Philippe Clement depart.

The first leg, which took part at Ibrox, ended 0-0 – leaving everything to play for as the teams headed to Bilbao for the second leg.

Although UEFA has been criticised for not recognising Celtic, Athletic Club were able to do a few things that left Celtic fans feeling very giddy.

Athletic Club fans wear Celtic shirts as they humble Rangers

Athletic Club ended up beating Rangers 2-0 in a dominant display that saw them knock the Scottish side out of the competition and progress to the semi-final.

But that wasn’t enough for the Spanish team – their fans even showed their true colours as green and white hoops were spotted throughout the sea of red and white that was the home fans.

There were even Celtic flags being waved as the Bilbao crowd celebrated the defeat of the Bhoys’ oldest rivals.

As if Rangers hadn’t been given enough of a reality check by Celtic at home in Scotland, they’re being humiliated in Europe too.

Athletic Club took the lead in first half stoppage time, with Oihan Sancet converting a penalty. Nico Williams then finished Rangers off in the 80th minute with a headed goal.

It wasn’t against the run of play, as Bilbao battered Rangers with 22 shots to 7 and looked much the better team.

The Scottish side did have a moment of controversy, where they weren’t given a penalty despite Cyriel Dessers’ shirt being ripped in the box while the tie was still goalless.

However, they simply did not make the most out of the two legs and now their season is completely over.

Celtic will definitely be hoping to repay the favour to Athletic Club one day, with their support for the Bhoys just rubbing the salt in the wound for Rangers.

Celtic fans react to Rangers’ defeat in Athletic Club

Celtic fans back home shared their love and gratitude for Athletic Club as Rangers were knocked out of Europe.

It’s never an unwelcome sign for Bhoys fans, but the special bond made the victory even sweeter.

One fan pointed out just how much could go right for Celtic fans this season:

“Celtic going for a treble, Tierney going for a Champions League medal, Big Ange going for the Europa League, Rangers winning f— all again.”

“F—— class being a Celtic supporter ain’t it?” he declared.

Another fan dubbed it “a great night for the hate watchers.”

With what could still happen for Celtic this season, the misery may not yet be over for Rangers just yet.