Rangers Maintain Pressure Ahead of Champions League Clash with Viktoria Plzen
Rangers head coach Russell Martin emphasized that the pressure on his team remains high, despite holding a three-goal advantage as they prepare for the second leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie against Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday.
Last week, Rangers secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Plzen at Ibrox, thanks to a brace from Djeidi Gassama and a penalty from Cyriel Dessers.
However, the team's momentum was disrupted by a disappointing 1-1 draw against Dundee in the league on Saturday, where James Tavernier's late penalty salvaged only a point against a struggling side managed by Steven Pressley.
When asked whether the comfortable aggregate lead would lessen the pressure on his players ahead of the return leg, Martin responded firmly.
"No, in a word," Martin stated. "We play for a football club where there is never room to ease off. We expect a sold-out away end, and it's a significant night for us. After a disappointing performance on Saturday, we hope to rectify our mistakes and improve tomorrow night.
"It’s my responsibility as a coach to keep pushing the players on the training pitch. Even when they find their rhythm and things start looking promising, I must ensure we continue to strive for growth. Tomorrow night is just one part of that journey. There will be no easing off, and we will not discuss that at all."
Like Rangers, Viktoria Plzen also faced a setback, managing only a 1-1 draw at home against Slovacko, which left them in eighth place in the Czech top flight.
"At this moment, Viktoria Plzen has nothing to lose," Martin remarked. "We must counter that mentality. We want to start the game strongly, but we also need to be prepared for anything. Our focus should be on our progress, and if we do that, the results will come. Tomorrow, we will have the opportunity to demonstrate our improvement."
Plzen Requires 'Heroic Performance'
Viktoria Plzen head coach Miroslav Koubek acknowledged that his team must deliver an exceptional performance to overcome the three-goal deficit and keep their Champions League aspirations alive.
"We need to be absolutely exceptional; a heroic performance is required, and everything must align for that to happen," Koubek stated.
The losing team of this tie is guaranteed a spot in the Europa League group stage, which Koubek believes will allow his players to perform with greater freedom in front of their home fans.
"Our match in Glasgow was far from ideal; we were subpar because the opponent was better, faster, and more organized," he reflected. "We had a plan, but it ultimately fell apart. This time, we must improve. I reminded the players that we are already assured of a place in the Europa League, so they should work hard and not overthink the situation."
Team News
Rangers will be without Mikey Moore, Thelo Aasgaard, and Hamza Igamane for the second leg, although Martin is optimistic that all three could feature against Alloa Athletic in the Scottish League Cup on Saturday.
"Mikey will be registered in time for Saturday, so he will be available," Martin confirmed. "I believe all three will be in the squad for Saturday, provided everything goes well this week, but they won’t play tomorrow night."
Match Stats
Rangers have won five and lost six of their 13 encounters with teams from the Czech Republic.
Rangers have never won in the Czech Republic, with three defeats in five matches.
Rangers drew 0-0 with Sparta Prague during their last visit to the Czech Republic, before winning the return match 2-1 in Glasgow in the Europa League group stage of 2023-24.
Viktoria Plzen defeated Heart of Midlothian 1-0 during their only previous visit to Scotland, achieving a 2-0 aggregate victory in the Europa League playoff round last season en route to the last 16.
Rangers were eliminated at this stage of Champions League qualifying last season, but went on to reach the Europa League quarter-finals.
Both Viktoria Plzen and Rangers last reached the Champions League playoff round in 2022, subsequently participating in the group stage.