Red Star Belgrade vs Viktoria Plzeň – News and Probable Lineups

Red Star Belgrade and Viktoria Plzen will meet at Stadion Rajko Mitic for the first leg of their Europa League playoff on Thursday night, both teams potentially just 180 minutes away from the League Phase of UEFA’s secondary club competition.

Red Star arrives at this fixture following a disappointing exit from the Champions League and a recent change in management, while Viktoria is aiming to rebound after a shaky start to their domestic league season.

Match overview

After winning the Serbian Super Liga for the ninth year in a row last season, Red Star Belgrade secured their typical spot in the Champions League qualifying rounds but has not managed to reach the League Phase.

Red Star’s continental campaign commenced strongly with an impressive 9-0 aggregate victory over Northern Ireland’s Larne in July; however, a subsequent aggregate loss of 3-0 to Hapoel Beer Sheva earlier this month has left the Serbian giants scrambling for a spot in the Europa League.

Last week’s elimination from the Champions League led to a significant reshuffle in the coaching staff, with Dejan Stankovic stepping down as the head coach, and he was promptly succeeded by Spanish manager Albert Riera in Belgrade.

Despite the turmoil in Europe, Red Star has had a remarkable start to their domestic title defense, winning three consecutive Super Liga matches with an aggregate score of 10-1.

Red Star is keen to have another opportunity in the Europa League after finishing 15th in the League Phase last season, accumulating just 14 points from eight matches and ultimately falling in the playoff round to French side Lille.

Viktoria Plzen, the most recent winners of their domestic league in 2022, prepared for a July match against Tromso IL in the second round of Europa League before being aided by a match-fixing scandal which improved their chances of advancing to the League Phase.

Viktoria has taken the place of fellow Czech side MFK Karvina in the qualifying playoffs after UEFA expelled them due to violations, allowing Martin Hysky’s team to skip four continental fixtures.

In light of their sluggish start to the domestic league – having achieved only one victory in their first four top-tier matches – Viktoria Plzen is rather fortunate to have a two-legged chance against Red Star Belgrade in the coming week.

After beginning their league season with a run of three games without a win (D2 L1), Viktoria finally secured their first victory of the 2026-27 season on Saturday with a narrow 3-2 win over bottom club FC Zlin.

During that match, 22-year-old Christophe Kabango scored from the penalty spot for the hosts, enjoying a commendable start to the season with three goals across four first-division appearances.

Team News

Mohamed Abu Fani of Red Star Belgrade will miss Thursday’s match due to suspension as he received a red card during the second leg defeat to Hapoel Beer Sheva last week.

This is likely to lead Red Star to deploy a midfield partnership of Rade Krunic and Timi Max Elsnik at home for the first leg.

Following his substitution at halftime in the 2-0 defeat to Hapoel Beer Sheva, striker Jay Enem may find himself on the bench this week.

Veteran forward Matej Vydra, known for his regular appearances in European competitions over recent years, could take a place in the starting line-up for the visitors.

This shift would likely see Viktoria move the young Kabango to the left side, with Frenchman Cheick Souare potentially occupying the most advanced position in a midfield trio.

Red Star Belgrade probable starting XI:

Matheus; Seol, Luckassen, Erakovic, Tiknizyan; Krunic, Elsnik, Bukari, Kostov, Duarte; Arnautovic

Viktoria Plzen probable starting XI:

Wiegele; Memic, Dweh, Spacil, Doski; Hrosoxy, Cerv, Road, Souare, Cabbage; Vydra

Eager to redeem themselves after their Champions League exit, Red Star Belgrade will look for that typical boost that often accompanies a new manager on Thursday evening.

Viktoria is set to make their European debut this summer, facing a challenging task in an intimidating Serbian venue.