The Matchday 1 clash in the 2025/26 Europa League group stage between Ferencvaros (Hungary) and Viktoria Plzen (Czech Republic) will take place on September 25 at the Ferencvaros Stadium in Budapest. Ferencvaros vs. Viktoria Plzen: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Ferencvaros
The Hungarians were close to qualifying for the Champions League in this European campaign but were defeated by Qarabag in the final qualifying round. This marks their second consecutive appearance in the Europa League. In the previous tournament, Ferencvaros finished 17th in the group stage but was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, where they faced Plzen. The club's best achievement in the Europa League is reaching the Round of 16 in the 2022/23 season. Notably, Ferencvaros has delivered uncompromising results in the Europa League, winning 5 and losing 5 of their last 10 matches.
- At least one opponent failed to score in 6 of Ferencvaros's last 8 Europa League matches.
- The club has not lost in 5 of their last 6 home matches in this tournament (4 wins, 1 draw).
- In 6 of their last 8 home games in the Europa League, the team did not score more than one goal.
Predicted lineup for Ferencvaros (3-5-2)
Denes Dibusz – Gabor Szalai, Stefan Gartenmann, Toon Raemaekers – Kadu Cruz, Alex Toth, Gavriel Kanichowsky, Naby Keita, Barnabas Nagy – Barnabas Varga, Bamidele Yusuf.
Midfielder Kristian Lisztes is injured.
Viktoria Plzen
The Czechs also exited the Champions League, losing to Rangers over two legs. They participated in the Europa League last season as well. Viktoria finished 16th in the group stage and advanced one round in the playoffs, reaching the Round of 16, thereby equaling their best performance in this tournament. However, Plzen has won only one of their last five Europa League matches (1 draw, 3 losses).
- Viktoria has not scored more than one goal in 5 of their last 7 Europa League games.
- The club has conceded in 6 consecutive away matches in this tournament.
- The Czechs have won only one of their last six away games in the Europa League (3 draws, 2 losses).
Predicted lineup for Viktoria Plzen (3-4-3)
Martin Jedlicka – Vaclav Jemelka, Jan Paluska, Sampson Dweh – Lukas Cerv, Karel Spacil, Sheik Souare, Amar Memic – Matej Vydra, Prince Kwabena Adu, Rafiu Durosinmi.
Midfielders Jan Kopic and Jiri Panos are injured.
Referee
Sander van der Eijk (Netherlands)
Matches – 7 (International matches, 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 12;
Average yellow cards per match – 1.7;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 29%.
Ferencvaros vs. Viktoria Plzen: Match Prediction
Ferencvaros's matches in the previous Europa League were quite entertaining in terms of goals. Starting from the group stage, the team scored in 7 out of 10 games. However, they managed to keep a clean sheet in only three matches, with two of those opponents finishing among the bottom three clubs in the standings.
The Czechs delivered similar results, with three clean sheets and only two games without scoring, despite playing two more matches than Ferencvaros. Viktoria has conceded in 6 consecutive away Europa League games but also scored in 5 of these encounters.
Additionally, both teams scored in 6 of Viktoria's last 8 away Europa League matches. This is another factor supporting the prediction: Both teams to score – yes
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* The starting lineup for each team is based on their last match.