The second leg of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 third qualifying round between Viktoria Plzen (Czech Republic) and Rangers (Scotland) will take place on August 12 at the Doosan Arena. The score of the first match was 3-0 in favor of Rangers. Viktoria Plzen vs. Rangers: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Viktoria Plzen
Miroslav Koubek's side suffered an unexpectedly heavy defeat in the first leg. Playing in Glasgow, the Czechs lost 0-3, conceding all goals by the 51st minute. Notably, the team had not lost by such a margin in European competition since October 2022 (in the Champions League group stage). Now, Viktoria needs to thrash their opponent at home by at least four goals. If they manage to win by a three-goal margin, extra time will be played.
- The Plzen club 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 a streak of 4 regular-time defeats at home in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Viktoria Plzen (3-5-1-1)
Florian Vygel – Vaclav Jemelka, Svetozar Markovic, Sampson Dweh – Lukas Cerv, Karel Spacil, Jiri Panos, Tomas Ladra, Amar Memic – Matej Vydra – Rafiu Durosinmi.
Rangers
The Scots were pleased with their 3-0 victory. Now, to advance to the playoff stage of the Champions League, Russell Martin's side would even be satisfied with a two-goal defeat in the return leg, but no more. The last time the team won by a large margin in this tournament was in August 2022. Interestingly, that also happened in the third qualifying round, and Rangers eventually reached the main stage 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 7 consecutive 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, Mohammed Diomande – Jayden 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
With a high degree of probability, the Scots have secured their place in the next round of Champions League qualification. The 3-0 result allows them to play defensively in the return leg, with enough opportunities to catch their opponent on the counterattack. Notably, Rangers have scored in 9 of their last 10 matches in this tournament.
Viktoria has no choice but to attack from the first minute in the upcoming match. There is no longer a need to focus heavily on defense, which the visitors will exploit. However, I believe the Czechs will not be left without goals, as they perform well at their arena in the Champions League. The team has scored in 9 of their last 13 home matches in this European competition, with 7 of these games played in the main stage against top clubs.
Therefore, I favor the prediction – Both teams to score – yes
* The starting lineup for each team is based on their last match in this tournament.
