(Credit Imago)

Jack Heath

Wed 6 August 2025 7:30, UK

Rangers have taken a deserved 3-0 lead into the second leg following a dominant display against a toothless Viktoria Plzen side.

Gassama wows, Martin not afraid - 5 things we learned from Rangers v Viktoria Plzen	Djeidi Gassama perfection, Jefte rubbish - Rangers ratings v Viktoria Plzen	Dessers starts: Rangers predicted XI to face Viktoria Plzen

After laying into his players following their awkward 1-1 draw with Motherwell, Russell Martin received a far better performance from his side.

The ex-Southampton manager made a bunch of changes including dropping both James Tavernier and Nicolas Raskin.

It was a bold statement made by the new boss but the response he received was excellent as Djeidi Gassama dazzled, netting twice either side of Cyriel Dessers’ penalty.

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Gassama and debutant Antman stunned fans on a fine European night for the Gers

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Heading to the next league game against Dundee, spirits will be much higher in the Gers camp as they look to contend with Celtic for the title.

Here, Football Insider looks at three Rangers men who came out of the night on top, and three whose fortunes were hurt.

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The Frenchman delighted under the lights of the Ibrox with the winger clearly thriving on Champions League nights.

Now scoring four times in three European matches, the winger was electric on the left, causing significant problems for the Plzen defence with his direct running.

In particular, the PSG youth product dismantled the Czech outfit with ease with not only his pace but also his link-up play with Dessers.

New man Mikey Moore who joined on a season-long loan from Tottenham has his work cut out to displace the ex-Sheffield Wednesday speedster from his starting berth.

Speaking of the frontman, restored to the starting line-up, he put in one hell of a shift at the top end of the pitch for Rangers.

Against Motherwell, the Gers were lacking a physical presence to ruffle the defence’s feathers and the Nigerian held up the ball with ease.

Setting up Gassama’s first goal, the 30-year-old calmly slotted away a penalty on the stroke of halftime as well, in all-round astute performance.

Martin now has a key decision on his hand as whether to return the number nine to the starting XI on the weekend or continue with the lack-lustred Danilo.

Registered less than 24 hours before tonight’s kick-off following his move from Go Ahead Eagles, the Finlander wowed on his debut.

Oliver Antman 2024-25 all competitions for Go Ahead EaglesAppearances36Minutes2764Goals6Assists16The flying Fin was sensational on his debut for the Gers (Source: Sofascore)

Winning the penalty and setting up his opposite winger’s second goal, take a bow Antman, you shined on your welcome to Glasgow.

With quick feet and dynamite speed, if he continues in his current vein of form, the 23-year-old is set to have a strong first season with Rangers.

Dropped to the bench with questions over his application and discipline, the Belgian will have to work hard on the training ground to show his manager why he deserves to start for the Gers.

Bizarrely, the 24-year-old somehow managed to pick up a yellow whilst not even on the pitch after kicking the ball off of a cone before the Plzen player could take a quick throw-in.

How does one even manage to get a yellow card when warming up?

Puzzling behaviour.

(Credit Imago)

The Brazilian endured a tough league opener on the weekend, where he was starved of service by his Rangers teammates against Motherwell.

He looked lively coming on for Dessers, but failed to make a significant impact – summing up his career in Glasgow since the move from Feyenoord.

Worryingly for the 26-year-old, the inspiring performance of his fellow striker could root the number 99 to the bench.



Danilo v MotherwellMinutes played64Shots (on target)3 (0)Hit woodwork1Touches21Danilo wasn’t given a fair chance in the Champions League to improve on his woeful display against Motherwell (Source: Sofascore)

After finishing last season in relative good form, the Brazilian has struggled when called upon this season in Champions League qualification.

The 21-year-old looked fragile against a pretty toothless Plzen attack, even getting booked in the process as he frantically tried to defend his wing.

The late injury to the versatile Max Aarons may be a blessing in disguise for Jefte to retain his place in the short-term.

(Credit Imago)

Yet, if I were the manager, he would be ejected from the starting XI immediately following a nervy performance against an underwhelming Czech outfit.

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