The UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round heads to the Doosan Arena in Pilsen, Czech Republic, where Viktoria Plzeň will host Rangers in a do-or-die second-leg encounter. Rangers, under manager Russell Martin, are firmly in the driver’s seat after a convincing 3-0 victory in the first leg at Ibrox. The result gives the Scottish side a significant aggregate lead and puts them on the brink of advancing to the play-off round. For Viktoria Plzeň, the challenge is immense; they must overturn a three-goal deficit against a team that has shown strong European form. While the odds are stacked against them, the Czech side will be drawing on their home advantage and the fighting spirit that saw them overcome a similar deficit in a previous qualifying round.
Rangers’ pre-season and early-season form has been solid, and their performance in the first leg was a testament to their attacking prowess and defensive discipline. The team will be looking to their in-form players, particularly forward Djeidi Gassama, who scored a brace in the first leg, to seal the deal. For Viktoria Plzeň, the focus will be on their attacking threats, such as Matej Vydra and Rafiu Durosinmi, to create a much-needed breakthrough. The team’s defensive frailties, which were exposed in the first leg, will need to be addressed if they have any hope of staying in the competition. This match is set to be a tactical battle, with Rangers likely to adopt a cautious but disciplined approach, while Plzeň will be forced to take risks in search of a famous comeback.
Match Details
Competition: UEFA Champions League, 3rd Qualifying Round (2nd Leg)
Location: Pilsen, Czech Republic
Stadium: Doosan Arena
Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Kick-off Time: 1:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM BST / 7:00 PM CEST
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Head-to-Head & Form Guide
The first leg of this qualifying tie was the first-ever meeting between these two clubs in a competitive match. Rangers’ 3-0 victory at Ibrox gives them a perfect record against Viktoria Plzeň. Rangers’ recent form has been a mix of strong European performances and inconsistent domestic league results, but they remain unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions. Viktoria Plzeň has been in mixed form, with their recent results showing a lack of consistency. Their memorable comeback in the previous qualifying round against Servette will serve as a source of inspiration, but they face a far more formidable challenge against this Rangers side.
Viktoria Plzeň:
Viktoria Plzeň finds itself with a mountain to climb after the heavy first-leg defeat. The team will be without the services of some of their key players due to injury, but they will be boosted by the return of midfielder Adrian Zeljković. The team’s tactical approach will have to be highly aggressive from the start, as they must score three goals without reply just to force extra time. Their star forward, Matej Vydra, will be the main attacking outlet and is tasked with providing the goals necessary for a miraculous comeback. However, their recent domestic form and shooting inefficiency suggest that a comeback will be a tall order.
August 9, 2025: Viktoria Plzeň 1–1 Slovácko (Czech First League)
August 5, 2025: Rangers 3–0 Viktoria Plzeň (Champions League)
July 30, 2025: Servette 1–3 Viktoria Plzeň (Champions League)
Rangers:
Rangers arrives in Pilsen in a commanding position. The 3-0 aggregate lead gives them a massive advantage, but they will be wary of complacency. The team’s attacking trio of Djeidi Gassama, Cyriel Dessers, and Oliver Antman has been in sensational form, and they will be looking to continue their momentum. Manager Russell Martin is expected to field a strong side to ensure they finish the job and progress. While Rangers’ domestic form has been a bit shaky, their European performances have been consistently impressive. Their tactical discipline and efficiency on the break should prove too much for a desperate Plzeň side.
August 9, 2025: Rangers 1–1 Dundee FC (Scottish Premiership)
August 5, 2025: Rangers 3–0 Viktoria Plzeň (Champions League)
August 2, 2025: Motherwell 1–1 Rangers (Scottish Premiership)
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
The match is set to be a tale of two different approaches. Viktoria Plzeň will come out with an attacking mindset, likely in a 4-2-3-1 formation, pushing for goals from the opening whistle. The return of Adrian Zeljković will give them more control in midfield, and their success will depend on their ability to create and convert chances. Rangers, on the other hand, will adopt a more conservative approach, likely playing a 3-4-1-2 formation and looking to absorb pressure before hitting Plzeň on the counter-attack. The pace and clinical finishing of Gassama and Dessers will be key to their attacking strategy, while the defensive solidity of their back three will be vital to seeing out the tie. The tactical battle will be a fascinating one, but Rangers’ strong aggregate lead and disciplined approach make them the clear favorites to advance.
How to Watch Viktoria Plzeň vs. Rangers on TV, Live Stream
CountryTV/Live StreamUnited KingdomTNT Sports, discovery+United StatesParamount+, TUDNCzech RepublicO2 TV SportScotlandRangersTV
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast on TNT Sports and discovery+. In the United States, you can catch the action on Paramount+ and TUDN. In the Czech Republic, the match is available on O2 TV Sport, and fans in Scotland can watch the game via RangersTV. For all other regions, broadcasting information can vary, so it’s best to check official UEFA or local sports broadcasting websites for the most up-to-date information on how to watch the match live.
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