AFCON 2025
Rangers took a huge step toward the Champions League playoff round with a convincing 3-0 victory over Viktoria Plzeň at Ibrox, as Cyriel Dessers and Djeidi Gassama delivered decisive contributions.
Manager Russell Martin made bold changes following the weekend’s league draw at Motherwell—benching captain James Tavernier and Nico Raskin, and handing debuts to Oliver Antman and Jefte. The shake-up paid off immediately.
Rangers struck first after 15 minutes when Gassama finished neatly from Dessers’ lay-off, continuing his prolific European form. On the stroke of half-time, Dessers doubled the lead from the penalty spot after Antman was fouled, before Gassama sealed the result six minutes into the second half with a thumping header from Antman’s cross.
The Scottish side dominated throughout, controlling possession and limiting Plzeň to few chances. John Souttar, wearing the armband, marshalled a solid back line, while Antman impressed on debut with a goal involvement and an assist.
The result leaves Rangers firmly in control ahead of next week’s return leg in the Czech Republic. Victory would put them one tie away from the lucrative group stage, where a potential playoff with Red Bull Salzburg or Club Brugge awaits.
