Plzeň vs Red Star – News and Probable Lineups

In a crucial match for their Europa League aspirations, Viktoria Plzen will host Red Star Belgrade at Doosan Arena for the return leg of their playoff clash on Thursday evening.

After a dominant 3-0 win in the first leg held in Serbia last week, the visitors are close to advancing to the League Phase of the 2026-27 tournament.

Match overview

Viktoria Plzen is gearing up for a new beginning under head coach Radoslav Kovac, who took charge on Sunday following the dismissal of Martin Hysky just two days prior.

The 46-year-old ex-West Ham United midfielder has been tasked with the “clear objective” of revitalizing the team quickly after a disappointing start to the 2026-27 season, with just one victory in their first five competitive fixtures (D2 L2).

Currently sitting in 12th place in the Czech First League, Plzen has yet to secure a win in their first three matches, but managed to edge past Zlin with a 3-2 victory at home just over a week ago. However, that win was quickly overshadowed by their heavy defeat at the hands of Red Star in the Europa League.

While Plzen still hopes to qualify for the Europa League for a third consecutive year, history shows that no team has managed to overturn a three-goal first-leg deficit during the qualification stage of the competition.

The host side can take solace in the fact that Red Star once squandered a one-goal lead, eventually losing 2-1 on aggregate to Lille in the knockout phase playoff of last season’s Europa League, and they also suffered a 3-0 aggregate defeat to Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the Champions League knockouts earlier this month.

Yet, Albert Riera’s squad heads into Thursday’s match with confidence, having secured a convincing 4-0 victory at home against Cukaricki in the Serbian SuperLig on Sunday, maintaining their perfect record in the league.

Red Star are on the quest for their 10th consecutive league title this season, but their immediate goal is to secure a fourth aggregate win in the final qualification round of the Europa League, having previously triumphed over Cluj in 2021-22, Ararat-Armênia in 2020-21, and Krasnodar in 2017-18.

Riera acknowledges that his team cannot afford to be complacent despite their significant lead, but the Serbian giants know they can afford to either draw or lose by one or two goals to progress to this season’s League Phase.

Team News

Viktoria Plzen boss Kovac will be without Vaclav Jemelka (knee) and Jan Paluska (groin), but he has otherwise a largely fit squad for his debut match, offering him the freedom to implement his tactical ideas.

The home team is anticipated to make several tactical adjustments from the first leg to invigorate their attacking performance. Forwards Matej Vydra and Christophe Kabongo will compete for a starting role alongside Prince Adu, while Patrik Hrosoxy is expected to direct play from a central midfield position.

On the other hand, Red Star Belgrade’s Riera was able to manage his squad well following a comfortable domestic victory over the weekend. Defensive midfielder Rade Krunic may return to strengthen the midfield, providing additional support in front of a four-man defence.

The attacking trio of Osman Bukari, Marko Arnautovic, and Muhammed Clam, all of whom were rested last weekend, are set to resume their roles in the offensive line, with captain Mirko Ivanic, who scored twice in the first leg, likely to continue in centre-midfield.

Viktoria Plzen probable starting XI:

Cradles; Prebsl, Dweh, Krcik, Doski; Hrosoxy, Cerv; Memic, Visinsky, Souare; Kabongo

Red Star Belgrade probable starting XI:

Matheus; Luckassen, Veljkovic, Erakovic, Seol; Ivanic, Krunic, Kostov; Bukari, Arnautovic, Cham

New head coach Kovac will count on the passionate home support at the Doosan Arena to unsettle the Serbian champions in the early stages, with an early goal being crucial for igniting a potential comeback.

However, the visitors boast an abundance of attacking talent capable of striking on the counter, suggesting the hosts may need to settle for an exciting stalemate as Red Star secures passage to the League Phase on aggregate.