MADRID, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Athletic Club Bilbao aims to keep its dream of playing in the Europa League final in the club's San Mames Stadium on Thursday with the first leg of the quarterfinal tie away to Glasgow Rangers.

The side form the Basque Region of northern Spain which has the proud policy of picking only players born or raised in that area, travels to Scotland fourth in La Liga, after a 0-0 draw away to Villarreal on Sunday that helps to show the team's resilience.

After 30 matches of La Liga, Athletic has the joint best defensive record in the competition (along with Atletico Madrid) which is also the best in the top-five European Leagues.

Coach Ernesto Valverde has rotated his defenders, Dan Vivian, Aitor Paredes and Yeray Alverez as much as possible, although when fit Spain international, Vivian always plays the big games.

Vivian missed the return leg against Roma with a muscle problem, while Yeray Alvarez was injured, but Unai Nunez stepped in and did an excellent job to show the club's strength in depth.

The weekend draw came at a price with Paredes forced to limp off after the break with cramp and left back Yuri Berchiche suffering a calf strain that keeps him out of the trip to Ibrox.

Adama Boiro should come in on the left of defense, unless Valverde opts for the experience of Inigo Lekue, while Oscar de Marcos - playing his last season before retiring will play on the right.

As well as a rock-solid defense, Athletic has pace in attack, with the Williams brothers, Nico and Inaki on the flanks, while Oihan Sancet is also back from injury and ready to link midfield with attack.

The club's top scorer has been out of action for just over a month with a muscle problem, but returned to action as a second half substitute in Villarreal and should start on Thursday.

Valverde has to choose between Gorka Guruzeta and Maroan Sannadi in attack, with the latter impressing with his strength and power since joining from third tier Barakaldo in January.

Although he at times still looks green, the 1.94m striker born in the city of Vitoria from Moroccan parents has already had an impact, with rivals struggling to control him and he has already provoked two red cards from rivals, including Matts Hummels in the last round.

Athletic will be cheered on by 2,500 fans in Ibrox, with the ticket allocation sold out in hours, while next week a full house is already assured in San Mames as the red and white supporters dream of winning their first European title - and doing it at home. Enditem

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