Djeidi Gassama scores twice as Rangers defeat Viktoria Plzen in Champions League

Rangers have taken a step toward the Champions League play-off round with a 3-0 first leg win over Viktoria Plzen in their qualifier at Ibrox.

Djedi Gassama scored twice and Cyriel Dessers netted from the penalty spot to give Rangers a commanding lead at half time in the third-round tie.

The Premiership side now know that anything other than a heavy defeat in the Czech Republic next week will see them progress to take on RB Salzburg or Club Brugge for a place in the League Phase.

Head coach Russell Martin had blasted his players for their attitude and application in their 1-1 draw with Motherwell on Saturday and he made four changes to his side for the European test.

Captain James Tavernier and midfielder Nico Raskin were dropped to the bench, alongside Kieran Dowell and Danilo. New signing Oliver Antman was given his debut just a day after completing his move, with Cyriel Dessers, Jefte and Lyall Cameron also coming into the team.

Summer arrival Djeidi Gassama had announced himself to the Rangers support with goals home and away against Panathinaikos in the second round of qualifying and he delivered the perfect start for the side.

The winger exchanged passes with Dessers to work his way into the box and took a touch before finishing cooly past Florian Wiegele to give Rangers the lead.

Plzen tried to bounce back and Nasser Djiga was called upon to block a shot from Matej Vydra but the hosts were the more dangerous side and Antman almost had a debut goal but his low shot was cleared from the line by Vaclav Jemelka.

Antman made his mark just before half time, when he carried the ball into the box and was clipped as he shaped to shoot. Referee Clement Turpin awarded the penalty and Dessers stepped up to rifle home the spot kick and double Rangers’ advantage.

After the break, Mohamed Diomande hit the bar with a curling shot but Rangers didn’t have to wait long for a third.

Antman burst down the right and played in a terrific cross that Gassama met at the back post for his fourth European goal in three weeks.

Rangers got their subs involved as the second half wore on, with Raskin, Tavernier, Danilo and Connor Barron all introduced but the commanding lead meant there was a little more caution to their play.

Plzen worked to try to get a foothold but were restricted mainly to efforts from distance.

Gassama had a chance for a hat-trick in the last ten minutes but couldn’t get enough behind his shot, and he was soon replaced by Findlay Curtis. Neither side could add to the scoreline in the dying minutes.

Rangers travel to Plzen for the second leg in the Doosan Arena next Tuesday.