Viktoria Plzeň knocks Red Star Belgrade out of the Conference League after extra time

In extra time, the dam finally broke completely. Plzeň exploited the spaces on offer against the increasingly rattled visitors from Belgrade and pushed the score up to a ultimately clear 5:1. The Serbian defence, which had looked rock solid in the first leg, could find no answer this evening against the woken-up hosts.

Extra time as the turning point

A key role in the Czech defensive setup was played by Austrian goalkeeper Florian Wiegele, who shone with strong saves throughout the entire match. The ÖFB keeper became the anchor for his side with his reflexes, particularly in the decisive phases, and contributed significantly to ensuring that Belgrade, despite their attacking quality, could not find their way back into the game.

Arnautovic, one of the defining figures at Belgrade, was unable to make any decisive impact on this evening. Muhammed Cham, who had scored in the first leg, also remained largely ineffective in the return. The Serbian attacking axis, which on paper appeared superior over long stretches, was largely neutralised by the Czech defence built around the Austrian Dario Maresic, who operated alongside Philipp Lienhart in central defence.

That the Austrians in Plzeň's squad played an important role was also underscored by Johannes Kreidl, who provided stability in midfield. The ÖFB axis – Wiegele in goal, Maresic and Lienhart in defence, Kreidl in midfield – formed the backbone of the sensation.

The ÖFB axis as the spine of the shock result

For Red Star Belgrade, the defeat means a surprising exit in the third qualifying round of the Conference League. The club, which had repeatedly caused a stir in European competitions in recent years, must plan the season without a European stage – unless an alternative route such as Europa League qualifying still provides a way in.

For Plzeň, the dream of European football continues. After the 5:1 coup, a new opponent awaits the Czech side in the next round, and they will go into the tie carrying the momentum of one of the most spectacular fightbacks in recent European football history.

Significance for both clubs

The match takes its place in a list of historic comebacks in European club football. Turning a 3:0 first-leg deficit into a clear 5:1 home win after extra time is something even top sides rarely achieve. Plzeň left a lasting impression on this evening, not only in sporting but also in emotional terms.

Austrian football fans can file the evening in Plzeň away as a special chapter: with Wiegele, Maresic, Lienhart and Kreidl, no fewer than four ÖFB legionnaires featured in the ranks of the winners – a rare show of unity that could also be a good omen for the Austrian national team.

The Conference League, which is already known for its surprises this season, has been handed another chapter of its recent drama by the match in Plzeň. While Belgrade must head home, Viktoria Plzeň can look forward.