Victoria Plzen Stages Dramatic Comeback to Eliminate Red Star Belgrade from Europa League

On August 27, 2026, Victoria Plzen overturned a 0-3 first-leg deficit to defeat Red Star Belgrade 5-4 on aggregate in the Europa League playoff round, securing their place in the competition and sending the Serbian champions to the Conference League. The second leg, played in Plzen, saw an early goal by Prince Adu in the 8th minute, giving hope to the Czech side. Mirko Ivanić scored for Red Star three minutes later, making the aggregate score 4-1 in favor of the visitors.

The match's turning point came in the second half when Osman Bukari of Red Star was sent off with a direct red card in the 53rd minute, reducing the Serbian team to ten players. Victoria Plzen capitalized on the numerical advantage, with Denis Vishna scoring a penalty in the 58th minute and Patrick Hrošovský adding another goal shortly after. The drama peaked in stoppage time when Christopher Kabongo converted a third penalty in the 95th minute to level the aggregate at 4-4.

In extra time, Plzen completed the remarkable comeback. In the 96th minute, Kabongo assisted David Krčík, whose header crossed the line despite the goalkeeper's efforts. This goal sealed a 5-1 victory in the second leg and a 5-4 aggregate win for Victoria Plzen. Red Star, who had already suffered a disappointing elimination from the Champions League qualifiers by Hapoel Be'er Sheva earlier this summer, now face the Conference League under new coach Albert Riera, who replaced Dejan Stanković after his resignation.

Notably, Red Star played without Mohamed Abu Fani, who was serving the second match of a three-game European suspension following a red card against Hapoel Be'er Sheva. Louizos Louizo was also not fielded. Victoria Plzen's comeback is one of the most memorable in this season's Europa League playoffs, finalizing the list of participants for the tournament.