Viktoria Plzen vs Crvena Zvezda - Live Stream

View the live stream and TV coverage details and live score for the 2026/2027 UEFA Europa League play-off Match - Viktoria Plzen vs Crvena Zvezda.

Viktoria Plzeň face a daunting recovery mission when they host Crvena Zvezda in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League play-off on Thursday, August 27, 2026. The Serbian champions travel to the Czech Republic with a commanding 3-0 aggregate advantage after Mirko Ivanić scored twice and Aleksandar Katai converted a late penalty in Belgrade. The return match kicks off at 19:00 Central European Summer Time and local Czech time (13:00 US Eastern) at the Doosan Arena in Plzeň. Viktoria must win by three goals to force extra time or by at least four to qualify inside 90 minutes, while Red Star will advance with a victory, draw or defeat by fewer than three goals. The winner reaches the Europa League league phase, with the defeated team entering the Conference League league phase.

How to watch Viktoria Plzen vs Crvena Zvezda - UEFA Europa League play-off match

First-leg context and recent form

The first leg was closer statistically than the final score suggested, with Plzeň producing five shots on target to Red Star’s seven. However, the Serbian side were far more clinical. Ivanić converted two Timi Max Elšnik assists in the 36th and 53rd minutes before substitute Katai completed the scoring from the penalty spot in the 89th.

Viktoria enter the return match under new management. Radoslav Kováč was appointed on Sunday following the dismissal of Martin Hyský, with the club having won only one of its opening five competitive fixtures. Plzeň currently sit 12th in the Czech league after beginning their domestic campaign with three winless matches before a 3-2 victory over Zlín.

Crvena Zvezda have made an ideal start under Albert Riera. After winning the first leg 3-0, Red Star rotated extensively and defeated Čukarički 4-0 in the Serbian league, preserving their perfect domestic record.

Team news

Viktoria Plzeň

Kováč will be without central defenders Václav Jemelka, who has a knee problem, and Jan Paluska, who remains sidelined with a groin injury. Goalkeeper Viktor Baier is also listed as unavailable, meaning Florian Wiegele should continue between the posts.

Several changes are possible as the new coach attempts to make Plzeň more aggressive. Matěj Vydra and Christophe Kabongo are competing with Prince Adu to lead the attack, while Denis Višinský is pushing for a place behind the striker.

Patrik Hrošovský should retain a central role, with Lukáš Červ likely to partner him. Sampson Dweh, Svetozar Marković Krčík and Merchas Doski are expected to remain in the defensive unit.

Crvena Zvezda

Red Star have not reported any significant new injuries following their weekend league victory. Riera was able to rest several important players against Čukarički, leaving his preferred European starters fresh for the trip to Plzeň.

Osman Bukari, Marko Arnautović and Muhammed Cham are expected to return to the attack after being rested at the weekend. Rade Krunić should resume his midfield role, while captain Ivanić is almost certain to start after scoring twice in the opening leg.

Elšnik may again operate at left-back, having produced both assists in Belgrade, with Seol Young-woo on the opposite side. Katai provides an influential alternative from the bench after scoring the late penalty.

Predicted lineups

Viktoria Plzeň (4-2-3-1): Florian Wiegele; Amar Memić, Sampson Dweh, Svetozar Marković Krčík, Merchas Doski; Patrik Hrošovský, Lukáš Červ; Tomáš Ladra, Denis Višinský, Cheick Souaré; Christophe Kabongo.

Crvena Zvezda (4-3-3): Matheus; Seol Young-woo, Derrick Luckassen, Miloš Veljković, Timi Max Elšnik; Mirko Ivanić, Rade Krunić, Vasilije Kostov; Osman Bukari, Marko Arnautović, Muhammed Cham.