Plzen take on the visitors Rangers in the second leg of UEFA Champions League semifinal round. First leg result: 0-3. The match will be played on Tuesday, August 12th at Doosan Arena (Plzen).
Viktoria Plzeň is trying to become the best at home again. "Viktorka" enjoyed a glorious decade, collecting 6 league titles. But it all ended a couple of years ago, when Sparta returned to its peak and, together with neighboring Slavia, pushed their rival down to 3rd place. Everything changed only last season, when the champions from the capital, having lost their coach, dropped all the way to 4th place. However, Slavia still remained, so Koubek’s men had to settle for climbing up to 2nd position. Even that was enough to enter the Champions League qualifiers. There they managed to make an impact in the tie against their first opponent, Servette. They lost at home and conceded early in Geneva, but eventually pulled off a spirited 3-1 win over the Swiss side. The team has shown solid defensive organization in recent matches, keeping clean sheets in three of their last four league games. Their attack, led by experienced forwards, has also been more clinical, scoring at least twice in four of their last five outings.
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Rangers Glasgow managed to come back after bankruptcy and even won the Premiership under Gerrard. But only once, and overall it has become the norm to finish behind Celtic. The previous manager, Clement, failed to make any serious changes; moreover, he was sacked midway through last season, without waiting for summer. Under the current boss, Russell Martin, they have already dropped points in the domestic league. However, they confidently overcame their first qualifying opponent, Panathinaikos. At home, they produced a "grandmaster" 2-0 win, then earned a pragmatic 1-1 draw in Athens. Hosting the Czechs at Ibrox, they eventually broke them down for a resounding 3-0 victory. Rangers have been particularly strong away from home lately, winning four of their last five competitive trips. Their pressing game has improved, allowing them to dominate possession and limit opponents’ chances.
This is the first-ever meeting between these ambitious clubs. The outcome of this tie is clear, and the hosts will be given the chance to "slam the door" on their way out. There will be no comeback, but in their last match of this tournament this season, the hosts will win.
Prediction for the match: Plzen to win.
