Rangers take huge step towards Champions League play-offs

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Rangers 3-0 Viktoria Plzen

Rangers took a huge towards progression to the Champions League play-offs after a comfortable win over Viktoria Plzen.

Name | Mark Lee

Stadium | Ibrox

Champions League | Rangers v Plzen

A closer look at what happened 

There were a few surprised looks when captain James Tavernier and Nicolas Raskin were among four players left out for this tie.

Cyriel Dessers was handed his first start of the season and played a key role in setting up summer arrival Djeidi Gassama to open the scoring, the forward continuing his fine run of form in Europe.

New signing Oliver Antman, who joined only on Tuesday, slotted seamlessly into the attack alongside Dessers and Gassama. The trio showed a fluidity that had been lacking, with Gassama linking superbly with his new team-mate before Antman was brought down in the box by Matej Vydra.

READ MORE | Champions League match reports from the 2025/2026 season

Dessers stepped up to convert the penalty just before half-time, and the lead was extended early in the second half when Antman surged down the right and delivered a pinpoint cross for Gassama to nod in his fourth goal in three European outings.

Which players stood out?

Djeidi Gassama 

Gassama continues to look like the standout among Rangers' summer signings. He is combining really well with other players already and could be key as the Ibrox club look to compete in multiple competitions this season.

Cyriel Dessers 

He was key to gelling everything together as the focal point in the attack. Despite dividing opinion, Rangers simply look a better team with him in it.

Lyall Cameron 

A player that can be proud of his night's work on his first Rangers start. The former Dundee man, did not look out of place, constantly showing for the ball and helping link midfield and attack.

Location: Ibrox, Glasgow G51, UK

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