First leg score: FC Sheriff Tiraspol 1-2 Viktoria Plzeň
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Match preview
Following a surprise victory in Chișinău a week ago, Viktoria Plzeň occupy the catbird seat in this tie.
In the first leg, it was hosts FC Sheriff who broke the deadlock thanks to Rasheed Akanbi’s penalty.
However, just five minutes later, the Czech champions were awarded a spot-kick of their own, converted by Tomáš Chorý.
The decisive moment at Zimbru Stadium came just ten minutes after the interval when Pavel Bucha ensured Viktoria left Moldova with a 2-1 victory.
Will Michal Bílek’s team now complete the job back at home?
Having hammered HJK in the previous round, they’ve already ensured this wait will come to an end.
Now, the champions of the Czech Republic are aiming to qualify for the Champions League for the fourth time.
FC Sheriff Tiraspol meanwhile made their Champions League group phase bow 12 months ago, winning four qualifiers to get there.
The Transnistria outfit, famously, beat Real Madrid at the Bernabéu, eventually getting to the Europa League knockout phase.
This was their first group phase of any kind since 2017, but are guaranteed to be in one in back-to-back seasons for the first time in 12 years.
However, if Stjepan Tomas’ team are to continue in this competition, they’ll need a victory at Doosan Arena.
Whoever gets through will meet Ferencváros or Qarabağ in the Champions League play-offs.
The losers drop into the Europa League play-off round where their opponents will be Pyunik.
