Official: Rangers Reveal Starting XI for Crucial Champions League Clash Against Viktoria Plzeň
Glasgow, Scotland – Rangers have officially announced their starting lineup for tonight’s high-stakes UEFA Champions League qualifier against Czech side Viktoria Plzeň, in what promises to be one of the club’s most important fixtures of the season so far.
Manager Russell Martin has named a strong, attack-minded side as the Light Blues look to take a step closer to the group stages of Europe’s elite competition. After a mixed start to the domestic campaign, Martin is under pressure to deliver on the European front, and tonight’s match at Ibrox represents a golden opportunity to build momentum and stake a claim among Europe’s best.
Rangers Starting XI:
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GK: Jack Butland
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DEF: James Tavernier (C), Connor Goldson, Leon Balogun, Borna Barišić
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MID: Mohamed Diomande, Nico Raskin, Todd Cantwell
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FWD: Dujon Sterling, Cyriel Dessers, Tom Lawrence
Bench: McCrorie, Souttar, Yilmaz, Lammers, Roofe, Lowry, Wright, Matondo, Sterling, Rice
Team News and Tactical Approach
Manager Russell Martin has opted for a balanced 4-3-3 formation, with an emphasis on controlling possession in midfield while using the flanks to stretch Viktoria Plzeň’s defensive lines. The decision to start Tom Lawrence and Todd Cantwell together behind striker Cyriel Dessers signals intent from the Gers to play on the front foot.
Captain James Tavernier will once again be vital, not just in defense, but for his overlapping runs and set-piece threat. His leadership will be crucial on a night where composure and discipline will be required.
In midfield, Diomande and Raskin are expected to shield the back four and dictate tempo, while Cantwell is likely to be given the license to roam and create between the lines.
With Jack Butland between the sticks, Rangers have a reliable last line of defense — something that could prove critical in a tie expected to be tight over two legs.
Opposition Watch: Viktoria Plzeň
The Czech champions are no pushovers, having made multiple group stage appearances in recent years. They arrive in Glasgow with a well-organized, counter-attacking style and boast a number of technically gifted players capable of punishing mistakes.
Their danger man, striker Tomáš Chorý, will be the focal point in attack and is expected to test the Rangers’ central defense. Rangers will need to stay compact during transitions, especially with Plzeň known for their sharp breaks and efficient finishing.
Russell Martin’s Pre-Match Thoughts
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Russell Martin underlined the importance of taking control early and giving the Ibrox crowd something to cheer about:
“It’s a massive game for us — for the club, the fans, and the players. These are the kinds of nights that define a season. We’ve studied Plzeň in detail, and we know what we’re up against. But I believe in this group. If we play with courage, discipline, and intensity, we can take a big step forward tonight.”
A Night of Opportunity
For Rangers, this tie represents more than just a potential passage to the Champions League group stage — it’s about prestige, finances, and asserting themselves once again on the European stage.
A win at Ibrox tonight would not only give them an edge heading into the second leg in the Czech Republic, but it would also silence critics after a somewhat inconsistent domestic run. With the eyes of Europe watching, Rangers have named a team that blends experience, quality, and hunger — the perfect ingredients for a famous night at Ibrox.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:45 PM local time, and the stadium is expected to be at full capacity, with the ever-passionate Rangers faithful ready to roar their team forward.
Stay tuned for post-match analysis, player ratings, and full reaction from Ibrox after what promises to be a defining European night for the Light Blues.
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