Lazio will face Viktoria Plzen at the Doosan Arena in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 on March 6, 2025. Kick-off is set for 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT).
This marks the first official meeting between the two clubs, with both teams eager to secure their spot in the quarter-finals. Winning this clash is particularly important for Lazio, who topped their group stage with 19 points, defeating prestigious teams such as Ajax and Porto along the way.
After their impressive group stage performances, Lazio is coming off a thrilling victory against AC Milan, where they triumphed 2-1 thanks to Pedro's penalty goal, scored deep in stoppage time. This win has bolstered their morale, particularly as they currently vie for Champions League qualification through Serie A, where they are competing closely with Bologna, Juventus, Fiorentina, and rivals AS Roma.
Lazio's anticipated starting lineup features significant changes due to injuries. With their captain, Mattia Zaccagni, and top scorer, Taty Castellanos, sidelined, Marco Baroni’s side will look to Tijjani Noslin to lead the attack, supported by Boulaye Dia and Pedro. According to reports, Adam Marusic is expected to return from injury, potentially starting as right-back.
For the hosts, Viktoria Plzen head coach Miroslav Koubek will also have to adjust his lineup as they miss left-back Cheick Souare and young striker Christophe Kabongo, both unable to participate due to injuries. Plzen's starting formation is anticipated to be 3-4-1-2, with experience coming from veteran striker Matej Vydra and creative midfielder Pavel Sulc, who both are pivotal as they faced modern European challenges with vigor.
Viktoria Plzen is coming off strong domestic performance, holding second place in the Czech League and recently overcoming Ferencvaros 3-1 on aggregate after securing victory at home. They also boast impressive stats at home, having lost only once out of their last twelve matches, which places them as formidable adversaries at the Doosan Arena.
Expectations are high for both teams to perform at their peak. Marco Baroni stated, "We play as if there is no tomorrow, no calculations," demonstrating Lazio's determination. Meanwhile, Dia echoed sentiments of adaptability, reflecting on his role within the team as adaptable and transformative, stating, "I feel like a second striker, but I can also play as a center forward, depending on the match's development."
On the other side, Plzen's midfielder Lukáš Červ has expressed confidence about their home support, saying, "We hope the whole stadium will cheer us on," highlighting the importance of fan morale and support during pivotal games.
Matchday preparations are finalized with the broadcast details also sorted; the match will be shown live on various sports networks, including TNT Sports and Sky, with online streaming available through platforms like Paramount+ and ViX.
This first leg of the encounter sets the stage not only for potential future matchups but also for both teams to lay down markers, as the winners advance to play either Bodo/Glimt or Olympiacos. The strategic importance of securing positive results away from home cannot be understated.
With both teams showcasing depth and talent, the matchup is anticipated to be tightly contested. Soccer fans are eager to witness the skill and drama this tournament level brings.
Regardless of the outcome, this match promises excitement and pivotal moments as the clubs battle for supremacy and advancement beyond this stage of the Europa League.