Viktoria Plzeň vs Rangers: UEFA Champions League Prediction (12.08.2025)

On Tuesday, August 12, at 22:00 Astana time, at the Doosan Arena in Plzeň, local club Viktoria Plzeň will host Rangers from Glasgow in the second leg of the 2025–2026 UEFA Champions League third qualifying round. In the first match, the Scottish side built a solid advantage at home with a 3–0 victory.

For the return leg, bookmakers make the hosts slight favourites for the match result, but give Viktoria very little chance of progressing. A home win in regular time is priced at 1.82, while their odds to advance to the fourth qualifying round stand at 10.00. For the “Light Blues,” the same markets are 4.20 and 1.05, respectively. The match is expected to produce a moderate number of goals: over 2.5 total goals is offered at 1.71, while both teams to score is at 1.65.

Viktoria Plzeň

Miroslav Koubek’s team have had an unconvincing start to the season. Notably, they lost 0–1 at home to Swiss side Servette in the first leg of the previous round, creating few dangerous chances despite being favourites. This was followed by a frustrating 1–1 draw in the Czech league against Jablonec, again as clear favourites.
Their toothless performance in Glasgow was therefore not a huge surprise. The experienced coach opted for caution, overloading the defensive midfield area. Yet this is where gaps appeared, and there was little attacking threat. In front of their own fans, they may try a more attacking style, but overturning a three-goal deficit will be extremely difficult.

Rangers

For Russell Martin’s side, 21-year-old Frenchman Djedi Gassama—signed from Sheffield Wednesday—has been in outstanding form. While he came off the bench against Panathinaikos, he started against Viktoria and did not disappoint, scoring his first Champions League brace.
Rangers’ sharp attack helps them mask other flaws in their game. If they can withstand pressure in defence, their aggressive, confident forwards usually find a way to deliver.

Statistics and Head-to-Head

In the first leg, Viktoria had more shots toward goal (17–11) and corners (5–2), but Rangers led in shots on target (5–2) and possession (56% to 44%).

Prediction

Rangers are unbeaten so far this season, showing character and getting results. The tip: Rangers +1 handicap at odds of 1.56.