Viktoria Plzeň vs Red Star: Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview

The appointment of Albert Riera has injected a jolt of energy into a previously faltering Red Star Belgrade. Now, Viktoria Plzeň, humiliated in the Serbian capital, are attempting a similar managerial gamble by swapping their head coach mid-tie. Radoslav Kovač, who replaced the dismissed Martin Hísek, has taken the helm with a clear mission: to unlock the hidden potential of a team in deep crisis and, in doing so, restore some intrigue to this European clash.

Viktoria in Ruins

Viktoria Plzeň have endured a catastrophic start to the season, shedding the defensive solidity that once defined them. The thrashing in Belgrade was the final straw for the board, who showed Martin Hísek the door and appointed Radoslav Kovač to steady the ship. In the domestic league, the Czechs have already lost to Slovan Liberec (3-1), drawn with Zbrojovka Brno (1-1), and played out a wild 5-5 stalemate with Teplice, where they squandered leads of 3-0 and 4-2. The only side they have managed to beat during this stretch is Zlín (3-2). The Europa League qualifiers have only deepened the crisis: the 3-0 loss to Red Star means Plzeň have now conceded 14 goals in just five matches. Overturning such a deficit will be a near-impossible task for the new coaching staff.

The root of their troubles lies in defensive chaos. The only reliable starter in the backline is Liberian international Dweh. He has been paired with either Spáčil or Krčík, but neither partnership has shown the necessary cohesion or reliability. The flanks are equally unstable: the left side is covered by Dossi, who has no capable backup on the bench, while the right flank is a gaping void. This forces central defender Prebsl or the more attack-minded Memić to shift out wide, turning the defensive unit into a sieve.

Red Star: From Collapse to Resurgence

Red Star Belgrade began their season under Dejan Stanković, the former Spartak Moscow boss. The team roared out of the gates in the domestic championship, dismantling Mačva (5-0), Vojvodina (3-1), and Novi Pazar (2-0), while also steamrolling Larne in Champions League qualifying (4-0, 5-0). However, everything fell apart against the relatively modest Hapoel Be'er Sheva, who sent them packing with a 0-1 and 0-2 defeat. The club’s hierarchy could not stomach such a humiliating blow and immediately dismissed Stanković.

Enter Albert Riera, who was thrown into the deep end with less than a week to get to know his squad and prepare for the first leg against the Czechs. The Spaniard passed the test with flying colors, as his men tore through Viktoria’s fragile defense, winning 3-0. Over the weekend, the “Red and Whites” followed that up with another rout in the domestic league, comfortably beating Čukarički 4-0. Notably, the coaching staff rotated heavily in that fixture, meaning the Belgrade side will be at full strength for the return leg in the Europa League.

Predicted Lineups: Viktoria Plzeň vs. Red Star Belgrade

Viktoria Plzeň (4-4-1-1):

• Wiegele – Memić, Dweh, Krčík, Dossi – Ladra, Červ, Hrošovský, Suárez – Šulc – Adu

Out: Paluska, Míka (both injured), Jemeľka (not registered)

Head Coach: Radoslav Kovač

Red Star Belgrade (4-3-3):

• Mateus – Seol, Luccassen, Veljković, Elšnik – Ivanić, Kostić, Krstović – Bukari, Arnau, Šapić

Out: Avdić (injured), Abubakar Fani (suspended)

Head Coach: Albert Riera

Referee: Danny Makkelie

Makkelie is a lenient official in the Eredivisie, averaging 3.08 yellow cards per game. However, his threshold rises in European competition, where he hands out 3.8 cautions per 22.63 fouls. The Dutchman is also not afraid to point to the spot: in his last 20 international matches, he has awarded 13 penalties and issued four red cards.

Prediction and Bet: Viktoria Plzeň vs. Red Star Belgrade

Main Prediction: Red Star Belgrade or Draw (Double Chance) at 1.88

The first leg offered a clear illustration of Red Star’s superior current form. While the Serbs did not dominate possession, they clinically punished Viktoria for every defensive lapse. Now, an already reckless and fragile Plzeň side will be forced to play even more openly, which will only play into the visitors' hands. The Czechs have managed just one win in their last five matches—and those were against far weaker opposition than the Belgrade giants. Expecting an instant turnaround from a desperate coaching change after just a few days is unrealistic; it is far too little time to fix the systemic issues plaguing the squad. The smart pick is to back Red Star not to lose at 1.88.

Total Goals Prediction: Over 2.5 at 1.66

Viktoria’s defensive discipline is in shambles—they have shipped 14 goals in five matches, nearly three per game. Yet, their attack remains dangerous, having scored ten times in that same span. Red Star, meanwhile, is ready to play at a blistering tempo; they have gone over the standard 2.5-goal line in six of their nine matches this season. With the hosts needing to chase the game after the 3-0 deficit, a high-scoring, end-to-end affair looks highly likely. The call is for over 2.5 goals at 1.66.