Nigeria’s Dessers shines as Rangers thrash Plzen in Champions League qualifier
Dessers
Super Eagles forward Cyriel Dessers delivered a standout performance on Tuesday night, scoring and providing an assist as Rangers secured a commanding 3–0 first-leg victory over Viktoria Plzen in the third round of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League qualifiers.
Playing at Ibrox Stadium, Dessers set the tone early, assisting Djeidi Gassama’s opener in the 15th minute. The Nigerian striker laid off a well-timed pass to Gassama, who took a touch before calmly slotting home.
Dessers then doubled the lead for the Scottish giants just before half-time. He converted a penalty with composure after new signing Oliver Antman was fouled in the box by Plzen’s Matej Vydra.
Gassama struck again six minutes into the second half, heading in his fourth goal of the qualifying campaign to seal a dominant win for Rangers. The Frenchman’s brace leaves the Scottish side firmly in control heading into the return leg in the Czech Republic next week.
Dessers was substituted in the 73rd minute after a lively display, while compatriot Rafiu Durosinmi came on for Viktoria Plzen in the 65th minute.
Rangers will face the winner of the Red Bull Salzburg vs Club Brugge tie in the play-off round, with a spot in the Champions League group stage at stake.
