Plzen vs Rangers Prediction, Preview, News, Odds: 12/8/2025

The UEFA Champions League third qualifying round continues with a tantalizing second-leg showdown between Viktoria Plzeň and Rangers. After a convincing 3–0 first-leg win at Ibrox, the Scottish side travel to the Czech Republic looking to finish the job—while Plzeň hope home advantage can fuel a spirited comeback in front of their fans.

Viktoria Plzeň Looking to Rebound After Ibrox Defeat

Viktoria Plzeň arrive at this stage facing not just a deficit on the scoreboard, but also key personnel losses. Manager Claudio Vigevani, appointed in early 2024, has seen his plans disrupted by the departure of midfield engine Pavel Šulc to Lyon in a £7.5 million transfer. The absence has left a noticeable void in creativity and control.

Domestically, Plzeň have performed respectably, but their European campaign has been inconsistent. A dramatic comeback victory over Servette hinted at resilience, but the heavy defeat in Glasgow exposed vulnerabilities. With a physically robust but tactically predictable style, Plzeň must raise their intensity and avoid a repeat of the flat first-leg performance if they are to mount a meaningful challenge.

Rangers Finding Their Rhythm Amid Early Season Scrutiny

In contrast, Rangers enter the return leg with growing confidence. Their early Premiership campaign has been rocky, punctuated by a frustrating 1–1 draw against Motherwell, but manager Russell Martin’s strong response seems to have steadied the ship.

Martin didn’t mince words following that domestic stumble, criticizing what he described as a culture of ego and complacency in the squad. That sparked a bold overhaul in the first leg against Plzeň, with long-serving players like James Tavernier and Nicolas Raskin benched. The result? A dominant 3–0 win, driven by new signings Oliver Antman and Gassama, who added pace and flair to Rangers’ attack.

Key Players and Tactical Outlook

Despite positive momentum, Rangers still have personnel concerns. Thelo Aasgaard and Hamza Igamane remain sidelined with injuries, while Mikey Moore’s involvement is subject to international clearance. One silver lining has been the emergence of Lyall Cameron, whose energy and tactical discipline earned rave reviews from Martin in his senior debut. Striker Cyriel Dessers, often a divisive figure among fans, silenced critics with a gritty, goal-scoring display.

Plzeň, meanwhile, are likely to lean on physicality and direct play to unsettle Rangers early. But they’ll need a far more compact and aggressive midfield approach if they hope to control the rhythm. The Ibrox leg showed that Plzeň’s backline can be exposed under sustained pressure—something Rangers are sure to exploit again if given space.

Prediction

With a three-goal cushion, Rangers head into the second leg as clear favorites. But Plzeň, emboldened by their home crowd and desperate for a response, are unlikely to go quietly. Their best chance lies in an early goal to shake Rangers’ composure and build belief.

Still, the Scottish side’s blend of new-found tactical flexibility, squad depth, and attacking edge should be enough to see them through. Martin’s willingness to reward form over reputation has injected a competitive edge within the team, giving Rangers a sharper look heading into Europe’s unforgiving qualifiers.

Prediction: Viktoria Plzeň 1:2 Rangers