Rangers new signing makes ‘head spin’, Plzen ‘torn apart’ – Czech media reacts
Rangers are in the driving seat after beating Viktoria Plzen 3-0 in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
The Czech outfit travelled to Ibrox on 5 August and were humbled by an emphatic Gers side that could have arguably scored more goals.
Russell Martin was not completely pleased with the performance against Miroslav Koubek’s team due to the Light Blues’ passiveness late on. However, the Scottish manager will undoubtedly be delighted with the result.
Czech media took notice of the Glaswegian outfit’s performances and lamented Plzen’s demise in G51.
Plzen affected by Pavel Sulc’s transfer v Rangers
Pavel Sulc’s absence was felt by Plzen in their loss to Rangers, according to David Cermak.
The journalist wrote in the print edition of MF DNES (6 August, page 16) that the Czech outfit were “torn apart” by the Light Blues at Ibrox, and lamented the 24-year-old attacking midfielder’s transfer to Olympique Lyon this summer.
Zdenek Soukup wrote in Plzensky Denik (6 August) that the defeat has now put Koubek’s team in a “hopeless” situation ahead of the second leg at the Doosan Arena on 12 August.
Ruik (5 August) hailed the Glaswegian outfit and stated that the home side taught Plzen a “three-goal lesson”, with the visitors not deserving of a good result.
Gassama makes an impact v Plzen
Gassama opened the scoring at Ibrox in the 15th minute before completing his brace early in the second half.
The 21-year-old forward, who signed for the Gers from Sheffield Wednesday in the ongoing transfer window, was a constant threat to Plzen’s defence.
In iDNES, journalist George Cihak hailed the French youngster for his deadly attack from the left, stating that he made Amar Memic’s “head spin”.
Rangers have taken a significant advantage ahead of the second leg. As a result, supporters will be confident of qualifying for the next round.
| Statistics | Rangers | Plzen |
| Possession | 56% | 44% |
| Total shots | 6 | 12 |
| Shots on target | 5 | 2 |
| Fouls committed | 10 | 14 |
| Corners | 2 | 5 |
Oliver Antman also thrived at Ibrox, with the 23-year-old Finland international providing the assist for Gassama’s second goal.
The former Go Ahead Eagles forward was brilliant in the Eredivisie last season and has already shown what he’s all about on his debut in G51.
Martin will now hope the performances in Europe can translate domestically against Dundee on Saturday (9 August).
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