Rangers have never won any of their seven previous visits to Czechoslovakia or the Czech Republic, losing four of them and scoring just two goals, most-recently playing out a goalless draw with Sparta Prague in October 2023.
The only time Viktoria Plzeň have ever hosted a Scottish club saw them beat Hearts 1-0 a year ago, but a repeat of that scoreline won't be much use to them here.
Viktoria Plzeň vs Rangers preview
After last Tuesday's first leg in Glasgow, Rangers can, almost, begin planning for the play-off round, but all is not well. A week ago, the Gers cruised to a 3-0 first leg victory, swatting Viktoria Plzeň aside very easily at Ibrox. Djeidi Gassama, who'd been on target home and away against Panathinaikos in the previous round, adding two more goals to his tally, while Cyriel Dessers converted a penalty in first half stoppage time in-between. So, will the Scottish giants complete the job in Czechia?
Despite making good progress in Europe, new manager Russell Martin is already under big pressure. That's because, Rangers have failed to win any of their first two Premiership matches for the first time in 36 years. After an underwhelming 1-1 draw with Motherwell, the Light Blues were ignominiously held to a stalemate by Dundee on Saturday; James Tavernier's injury time spot-kick salvaged a draw, while Dessers thought he'd won it at the death, only for the goal to be chalked off by VAR.
Parking their domestic performances to one side, Rangers have been very impressive in all three European ties so far this season. So, most expect they will rubber stamp their place in the Champions League play-off round, where Club Brugge likely await, following their 1-0 first leg victory in Salzburg.
As for Viktoria Plzeň, they were forced to lick their wounds after that first leg gubbing in Glasgow, with their dreams of a fifth Champions League appearance almost over. However, in the second qualifying round, Miroslav Koubek's side did fight back from 2-0 down to oust Servette, thanks to goals from Karel Spáčil, Matěj Vydra and then Rafiu Durosinmi in Geneva a fortnight ago.
Nevertheless, that is only the sixth time in 45 European outings that the Viktoriáni have scored three or more goals, previously doing so against Ferencváros, Frankfurt, Astana, Tobol and Gżira United, which does not suggest a comeback is on the cards. So, will the 627 Rangers supporters making the trip to Stadion města Plzně enjoy a comfortable evening?
Viktoria Plzeň vs Rangers head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 1.
- Viktoria Plzeň Wins: 0. Draws: 0. Rangers Wins: 1.
Viktoria Plzeň team news
Similar to their visitors, Miroslav Koubek's team were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Slovácko on Saturday, conceding a 93rd minute equaliser, meaning they've collected just five points from three Czech First League fixtures.
Koubek did make eight changes at the weekend, so it will be interesting to see if he goes full strength, given the aggregate deficit. Adrian Zeljković can return following a suspension, having been sent off in Geneva, but creator in chief Pavel Šulc is gone, sold to Lyon, and he was severely missed at Ibrox.
Viktoria Plzeň predicted lineup vs Rangers: (3-4-1-2): Wiegele; Marković, Dweh, Jemelka; Memić, Červ, Panoš, Zeljković, Spáčil; Vydra, Durosinmi.
Viktoria Plzeň player to watch vs Rangers
Matěj Vydra has four goals to his name so far this season, on target during the comeback at Stade de Genève two weeks ago, so can he fire Viktoria Plzeň to an historic turnaround?
Rangers team news
Neither James Tavernier nor Nicolas Raskin, arguably Rangers' two best players, have started either of their last two matches, but will Russell Martin shake things up after a very underwhelming result against odds-on favourites for relegation Dundee on Saturday evening?
Oliver Antman debuted a mere 24 hours after signing last Tuesday, and looked excellent, so will surely keep his place in attack. Thelo Aasgaard and Hamza Igamane remain injured, Emmanuel Fernandez is still awaiting his debut, while Mikey Moore's paperwork did not go through in time for him to feature.
Rangers predicted lineup vs Viktoria Plzeň: (4-2-3-1): Butland; Tavernier, Djiga, Souttar, Aarons; Rothwell, Raskin, Diomandé, Antman, Gassama; Dessers.
Rangers player to watch vs Viktoria Plzeň
Djeidi Gassama has scored in all three Champions League ties so far, including the all-important brace in the first leg, so will his European scoring spree continue in Plzeň?
Viktoria Plzeň vs Rangers prediction
We cannot see the home side, who were completely toothless at Ibrox, pulling off a comeback here, back Rangers to get the job done and cruised through the play-offs: Viktoria Plzeň 1-1 Rangers.
Viktoria Plzeň vs Rangers FAQs - UEFA Champions League qualifier
How to watch Viktoria Plzeň vs Rangers Champions League game on TV channel?
Viktoria Plzeň vs Rangers Champions League game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Solid Sport PPV
- USA: Rangers TV.
- Canada: Rangers TV.
How to watch Viktoria Plzeň vs Rangers Champions League game on live streaming?
Viktoria Plzeň vs Rangers Champions League game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Solid Sport PPV
- USA: Rangers TV.
- Canada: Rangers TV.
What is the date and kick-off time for Viktoria Plzeň vs Rangers in the Champions League?
Viktoria Plzeň vs Rangers takes place on Tuesday 12 August 2025, with kick off at 18:00 (BST), 13:00 (EDT) & 10:00 (PDT).