World media reacts as Rangers 'cold shower' denies Plzen miracle after Russell Martin 'chased away'

Daily Record

6 hours ago

It wasn't the performance Russell Martin wanted from his team but the end result was progress in Europe
There were a few scares on the night – but Rangers sealed their shot at a £40million Champions League jackpot.
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It was far from convincing on their travels in Czechia though, losing 2-1 to Viktoria Plzen on the night, .
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Martin's side came into the second leg against with a 3-0 advantage - and the relentless hosts ramped up the pressure throughout the 90 minutes.
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They ran the Scottish Premiership side ragged - but Rafu Durosinmi's opener was cancelled out by Lyall Cameron, with Svetozar Markhovic's winner with 10 minutes to go proving to be nothing more than a consolation.
It's job done though and , what did world media think of the showdown? takes a look.
I Sport (Czechia)
"The glittering Champions League will not be played in Pilzen this season, but Viktoria showed European strength with a courageous performance in the rematch of the third qualifying round.
"They chased away the Scottish Rangers, and with an active performance they tried to make up for the 0:3 loss from the first match.
"There was no sporting miracle this time, the final result of 2:1 was accepted even by the loudly supporting fans. The Czech vice-champion played the best match of the season and can look forward to the main stage of the Europa League, where they reached the round of 16 in the spring."
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L'Equipe (France)
"Although Czech side Plzen won 2-1 at home, Scottish Rangers will qualify for the next stage of Europe's elite club competition after winning 0-3 in the first leg."
Plzeňsky (Czechia)
"On Tuesday evening, disappointment reigned in Pilsen's Doosan Arena. Although Viktoria Plzeň's players defeated the famous Glasgow Rangers 2:1 in the second leg of the third qualifying round of the Champions League, their dream of participating in the most prestigious club competition was dashed. But the fans quickly recovered and now have a new wish for Pavel Šulc to return to their home stand."
Medium (Czechia)
"The Scots prepared a cold shower for the home team after the hour mark after dominance from Plzen.
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"Rangers can now look forward to advancing to the final qualifying round and extending their unbeaten streak that has been going on since mid-April. The West Bohemians, on the other hand, have confirmed that they are not doing too well defensively, having failed to keep a clean sheet in six home competitive matches in a row."
Daily Mail (UK)
"Rarely can progress in Europe have felt so hollow. Rarely can a 3-0 lead have looked so fragile. And rarely can a team have inspired such little confidence in being able to see it through.
"On a tense and nervy night in Plzen, Rangers took one step closer to Champions League qualification but looked deeply unconvincing in doing so.
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"This was not the polished, professional performance that Russell Martin and his players had called for as they aimed to secure their place in the play-off round.
"They got the job done in the end, as well as a guaranteeing a windfall of £3.7million being pumped into the coffers, with a tie against Club Brugge to come.
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"But Rangers could count their lucky stars that Plzen were so profligate in front of goal. On another night, the Czechs could quite easily have scored another two or three goals."
Sporza (Belgium)
"Club Brugge now know who they will face in the playoff. But, one thing is clear - they will have to raise their level if they are to progress against the Scots."
CTK (Czechia)
"The Pilsen players will not play in the main stage of the Champions League. Although the West Bohemians defeated Glasgow Rangers 2:1 in the home match of the 3rd qualifying round, they were unable to turn the two-legged tie around after the opening 0:3 away defeat.
"Rafiu Durosinmi gave Viktoria the lead in the 41st minute, and Lyall Cameron equalized after the hour. Of the home team's many other chances, only substitute Svetozar Markovič scored in the 83rd minute.
"The Czech team will not advance from the stronger non-championship 'branch' of the qualification this time either. In the millionaire competition in the autumn, only Slavia will appear from the domestic clubs as the reigning champion, Plzeň will play the main part of the Europa League."