Gassama Brace Fires Rangers to Brink of Champions League Playoff

Rangers surged toward the Champions League playoff round with a commanding 3–0 victory over Viktoria Plzeň in the first leg of their third qualifying round tie at Ibrox on Tuesday night.

Djeidi Gassama opened the scoring in the 15th minute after a smooth one-two with Cyriel Dessers, who teed up the forward for a calm finish into the heart of the goal.

Just before halftime, Rangers doubled their lead from the penalty spot. Oliver Antman was brought down by Matej Vydra in the box, and Dessers stepped up to convert confidently.

Gassama added his second of the night early in the second half, rising high in the 51st minute to nod home a well-placed cross. The goal marked his fourth in this season’s European qualifiers.

The Scottish side’s emphatic display leaves them with a strong advantage heading into next week’s decisive second leg in the Czech Republic, with a Champions League playoff spot hanging in the balance.

UEFA has confirmed that the winner of the tie will face either Red Bull Salzburg or Club Brugge in the next and final round of qualification.

In other results, Malmö and Copenhagen played out a cagey 0–0 draw in their Nordic derby.

Third-round action continues Wednesday, with Salzburg set to host Brugge, Benfica heading to Ligue 1 outfit Nice, and Feyenoord preparing to take on José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe in one of the round’s most anticipated fixtures.