Rangers dominate Viktoria Plzen with Gassama's impressive brace
- Russell Martin made several changes to the starting lineup in response to previous performance issues.
- Djeidi Gassama scored two goals and Cyriel Dessers added a penalty to secure a 3-0 win.
- Rangers are now favored to advance in the Champions League after a solid first-leg performance.
In the Champions League third qualifying round, held at Ibrox in Scotland, Rangers secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Viktoria Plzen. This match took place on August 5, 2025. New head coach Russell Martin's bold selections included several significant changes to the squad after a disappointing draw against Motherwell. Players such as James Tavernier and Nicolas Raskin were dropped from the starting lineup, allowing new talent like Djeidi Gassama and Oliver Antman to shine. Gassama opened the scoring early on, showcasing his skill with a confident finish. With a new strike force featuring returning player Cyriel Dessers, the team looked elevated in their performance. Dessers added a penalty shortly before halftime, which further solidified Rangers' control over the match. After the break, Gassama scored his second goal, effectively putting the game beyond the reach of the visiting Czech side. Rangers' offensive tactics and strong play from both new and returning players resulted in a comprehensive win, providing a favorable position for the return leg of the tie. Despite the initial subdued atmosphere from the Ibrox crowd, the players' performance lifted spirits as they dominated the match. Rangers' defense also held firm against Plzen's attempts, with notable moments such as a last-ditch block that prevented a potential goal from Matej Vydra late in the first half. The arrival of Antman and the return of key players added a much-needed spark to the team's attack, a marked improvement from the previous match. Moving forward, Rangers will need to build on this success, especially with a challenging opponent awaiting in the next round. The victory not only reflects the team's capability but also the resilience and adaptability of Martin’s strategies. The large margin of victory serves as a solid foundation ahead of the rematch in the Czech Republic, where the team will aim to maintain their momentum and secure a spot in the next stage of the competition.