
Last updated: October 13, 2025
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Viktoria Plzen host Rangers on August 12, 2025, at the Doosan Arena in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League qualifying semi-finals . With a place in the playoff round up for grabs, both sides will be eager to seize a first-leg advantage. Plzen have been a consistent force in Czech football, boasting a strong home record in Europe, while Rangers arrive with a rich continental pedigree and the hunger to return to the group stage. Tactical discipline, set-piece execution, and composure under pressure could prove decisive in this tightly balanced tie.
Plzen are well-drilled defensively, often deploying a compact 4-2-3-1 formation that limits space between the lines. Their approach relies on patient build-up play through midfield orchestrated by Pavel Bucha, while rapid transitions down the flanks via Mosquera and Durosinmi provide attacking spark. At home, Plzen are known for being aggressive in pressing phases and clinical when opportunities arise, especially from set pieces.
Rangers, under Philippe Clement, bring a mix of physicality and direct attacking football. With Tavernier and Barisic providing width from full-back, they push numbers forward quickly, aiming to overload the box. In attack, Cyriel Dessers’ hold-up play and Abdallah Sima’s pace are key threats, while midfielders like Todd Cantwell look to exploit spaces in transition. The Scottish side’s Achilles’ heel can be defensive lapses away from home, especially against organised counter-attacking sides. Expect them to look for an early away goal to control the tie.
Plzen’s home advantage will be a significant factor, especially with their strong European record in front of their fans. Rangers will likely dominate possession for spells, but Plzen’s disciplined defensive structure can frustrate them. The Scottish champions have enough quality to score, particularly from set pieces, but their defensive vulnerability on the road means Plzen could also find the net. This has all the makings of a competitive, physical, and low-margin contest where neither side runs away with it.
Predicted score: Viktoria Plzen 1 – 1 Rangers.
👉 Best Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes | Odds 1.95 (via CryptoCasino Sportsbook)
Both sides are capable of finding the net and have attacking players who can make a difference in big moments. Plzen have scored in 8 of their last 9 European home games, while Rangers have found the net in 7 of their last 8 European away fixtures. With both sides carrying attacking threats but also susceptible to conceding, BTTS offers strong value at these odds.
These numbers point towards an evenly matched first leg where both sides find the net but leave everything to play for in the return match at Ibrox.
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