The anticipation is palpable. Rangers, after a commendable goalless draw at Ibrox last week, are poised to face Athletic Bilbao in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final. The atmosphere in the Basque region is sure to be electric, and interim manager Barry Ferguson has responded with a shock team selection that’s got fans buzzing. Ferguson, stepping into the caretaker role, has made a staggering ten changes to the lineup that faced Aberdeen just days ago. This bold tactical decision, abandoning the team that secured a 2-2 draw in the Premiership, indicates a clear focus on securing European glory. While the domestic campaign may have been disappointing, the Europa League has seen a different Rangers emerge – a team capable of outsmarting experienced opponents like Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce. The starting XI chosen by Ferguson is as follows: Kelly; Yilmaz, Tavernier, Balogun, Souttar; Jefte, Raskin, Diomande; Hagi, Cerny, Dessers. The bench, brimming with talent, includes Butland, McGuire, Barron, Bajrami, Nsiala, Igamane, Danilo, McCausland, Rice, Curtis, Hutton, and McCallion. This dramatic shift in personnel speaks volumes about Ferguson's assessment of the situation. He’s clearly prioritised players he believes are better suited to the rigors and specific demands of the Europa League stage. The omission of key players from the weekend’s match suggests a tactical approach designed to exploit potential weaknesses in the Bilbao defense and midfield. Former Rangers manager Alex McLeish offered an interesting perspective, suggesting that European competition might provide a sense of “relief” for some players, allowing them to express themselves more freely than in the pressure cooker of the domestic league. This aligns with the perception that Rangers have consistently performed better in European fixtures this season than in their domestic matches. The question remains: will Ferguson’s gamble pay off? The tactical shift is undeniably brave, and the success of this strategy hinges on the ability of the chosen players to deliver under immense pressure. One thing is certain: tonight’s match at San Mames will be a thrilling spectacle, a testament to Ferguson’s audacity and Rangers' determination to progress further in the competition. This is more than just a football match; it's a statement of intent, a bold declaration of a team's ambition on the European stage. The outcome will not only determine Rangers' fate in the Europa League but also solidify Ferguson's legacy as a manager who dares to make difficult choices in the pursuit of victory.