Rangers have secured their place in the UEFA Champions League play-offs. Here, they had to overturn a 1-0 loss to Viktoria Plzen in the Second Leg of the Tunnock’s Third Round Qualifier. The photo of the friendly match played on August 12, 2025 at Plzen’s Doosan Arena in Czech Republic. Rangers outclassed Prague in the two-legged tie, hammering them 4-1 on aggregate. Their excellent performance guaranteed them a place in the next round.
It was a crazy emotional game for Texas Rangers. Even as they dealt with their own ailments, they stepped up when it mattered and proved what fierce warriors they are. Unfortunately, one of the team’s lynchpins, Cyriel Dessers, suffered a knee injury early in the final. Questions were raised over his fitness to feature in the upcoming fixtures after this incident. Rangers showed terrific spirit on the field, even though they were left with just 10 men.
Lyall Cameron went from zero to hero for Rangers, landing the decisive blow with the only goal of the evening. His strike brought back their three-goal lead on aggregate score. Though ultimately a team loss, this goal became a major personal milestone for Cameron, since it was his first score for the club. The eventual winning goal was helped by substitute Danilo, who had an immediate impact after entering the fray.
Viktoria Plzen’s Rafiu Durosinmi got his team on the board first with an early strike to put them up 1-0. Unfortunately, this goal didn’t change the big picture for Rangers. Jack Butland, Rangers’ goalkeeper, was superb throughout the contest. Most importantly, he made a few big saves that kept his club alive and in contention. He was powerless to prevent Lukas Cerv’s shot from flying over the crossbar.
Head Coach Russell Martin could not have been happier with everything his team accomplished. He praised their performance, particularly in light of the match’s circumstances and final score. He pointed out where they need to improve, especially with maintaining possession of the ball and being more aggressive on the field.
“If we are not as clean with the ball as we should be, we have to be more aggressive.” – Russell Martin
Martin too looked back on their aggressive approach but stressed the importance of finding that aggression while reigning it in.
“I don’t mind losing the ball in their half if we are being so aggressive, but it was sloppy little details.” – Russell Martin
Rangers, meanwhile, are already focusing on what lies ahead in this season’s Champions League. They would have to continue to monitor Dessers’ wellbeing. His creativity has made him an invaluable member of the squad, and there will be a noticeable impact should he be absent for any upcoming game.
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