The second leg of the third qualifying round of the 2025/26 Champions League between Viktoria Plzen (Czech Republic) and Rangers (Scotland) will take place on August 12 at the Doosan Arena. The first match ended 3-0 in favor of Rangers. Viktoria Plzen vs. Rangers: prediction and statistics.
Viktoria Plzen
Miroslav Koubek's team suffered a heavy defeat in the first leg. Playing in Glasgow, the Czechs lost 0-3, conceding all goals by the 51st minute. Notably, the team has not suffered such a heavy defeat in European competitions since October 2022. Now, Viktoria needs to thrash their opponent at home by at least four goals. If they manage to win by three goals, extra time will be played.
- The club from Plzen has lost in regular time in 8 of their last 9 Champions League matches.
- At least 3 goals have been scored in 6 of Viktoria's last 7 games in this European competition.
- The Czechs have lost in regular time in their last 4 home matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Viktoria Plzen (3-5-1-1)
Florian Wiegelle – Vaclav Jemelka, Svetozar Markovic, Sampson Dweh – Lukas Cerv, Karel Spacil, Jiri Panos, Tomas Ladra, Amar Memic – Matej Vydra – Rafiu Durozinmi.
Rangers
The Scots are likely pleased with their 3-0 victory in the first leg. To advance to the Champions League playoff stage, Russell Martin's side can even afford to lose by two goals. It is worth noting that the last time the team secured such a significant win in this tournament was in August 2022. Incidentally, this also occurred in the third qualifying round, and Rangers went on to reach the main draw of the Champions League.
- The team has not lost in regular time in 7 of their last 9 matches in this European competition (3 wins and 4 draws).
- Both teams scored in 7 of Rangers' last 10 games in this tournament.
- The Scots have not won away in regular time in their last 7 Champions League matches (3 draws and 4 losses).
Predicted lineup for Rangers (4-3-3)
Jack Butland – John Souttar, Max Aarons, Nasser Djiga, Jefte – Joe Rothwell, Lyle Cameron, Mohamed Diomande – Jaydee Gassama, Oliver Antman, Cyriel Dessers.
Referee
Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Matches – 11 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 40;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.6;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 45%.
Match Prediction: Viktoria Plzen vs. Rangers
The Scots have almost secured their place in the next round of the Champions League qualifiers. The 3-0 scoreline allows them to play defensively in the second leg, with plenty of opportunities to counterattack. Additionally, Rangers have scored in 9 of their last 10 matches in this tournament.
Viktoria has no choice but to attack from the first minute. There is no longer a need to focus heavily on defense, which the visitors are likely to exploit. However, I believe the Czechs will not be left without a goal, as they perform well at home in the Champions League. The team has scored in 9 of their last 13 home matches in this European competition, with seven of these games being part of the main draw of the Champions League.
My prediction: Both teams to score – Yes
