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Servette Aim for Redemption in Crucial Champions League Clash Against Plzen
It’s a big night coming up for Servette as they head to the Doosan Arena to take on Viktoria Plzen in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round. The Swiss runners-up have a lot to prove, especially with a recent history of heartbreak in European competitions. This matchup is not just about tactics or lineups—it’s about resilience, redemption, and momentum.
Plzen enter this game on a high. Their domestic campaign just kicked off with a dominant 5-1 win over Pardubice, showing off their attacking firepower and defensive discipline. That’s now eight games unbeaten for the Czech side, including a flawless pre-season. Under manager Miroslav Koubek, they’ve looked sharp, scoring goals with ease and maintaining stability at the back. Players like Prince Kwabena Adu, Pavel Sulc, and Matej Vydra have been key in their fluid attacking transitions. With home advantage at the Doosan Arena and a confident start to the season, Plzen are clearly in a strong position.
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Now let’s talk about Servette. The Geneva-based club finished second in the Swiss Super League last season, right behind Basel, and have shown promise in their pre-season campaign. They’ve picked up four wins in five friendly matches, including a tight 3-2 win over St Etienne. But the elephant in the room remains their away form—three consecutive away losses to end last season, conceding six goals in that stretch. That’s a worrying trend for manager Thomas Haberli heading into such a crucial away leg.
Historically, Servette haven’t had the best luck against Plzen either. The two teams met in the 2024 Conference League playoffs, and Plzen came out on top 1-0 over two legs. This time, the stakes are even higher. A place in the next round of the Champions League qualifying path is on the line, and Servette know they need to improve their game away from home if they want to stand a chance.
From a tactical standpoint, Plzen will likely stick with their 3-4-2-1 setup, packing midfield control and fluid movement up front. Meanwhile, Servette may opt for a more conservative 4-2-3-1, with experienced heads like Timothe Cognat and Gael Ondoua anchoring the midfield. Expect a cagey start, but both teams have enough firepower to make this a tightly contested, entertaining match.
Prediction? A narrow 2-1 win for Plzen seems likely, given their strong form and Servette’s questionable away record. But if Servette can stay compact and capitalize on counter-attacks, we could be in for a surprise.
One thing’s for sure—this tie is far from over, regardless of the first leg’s outcome. The return in Geneva will be just as intense. European nights are back, and this one could go either way.
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