Viktoria Plzen produced one of the most remarkable comebacks in Champions League history on August 27, 2026, thrashing Crvena Zvezda 5-1 at the Doosan Arena to overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit and advance to the group stage. The Czech side needed a four-goal victory margin, and they delivered in spectacular fashion. The game exploded into life early: Prince Adu opened the scoring in the 8th minute after a pass from Cheick Souare, but Mirko Ivanic equalised just three minutes later to level the aggregate score. Adu then missed a penalty in the 51st minute, but Plzen refused to be deterred. The second half was a relentless assault: Denis Vysinsky restored the lead in the 58th minute, Patrik Grošovski extended it in the 63rd after a pass from Lukáš Červ, and Kristof Kabongo made it 4-1 in the 90+5th minute. In extra time, David Krčík completed the rout in the 96th minute after a pass from Kabongo. Crvena Zvezda's discipline unravelled with yellow cards for Ousmane Bukari (53'), Marko Arnautović (65'), Jay Enem (90+2'), Rodrigão (90+4'), while Tomas Ladra, Derrick Luckassen (103'), and Rade Krunić (105+3') were all booked in extra time. Plzen dominated with 54% possession, 17 shots to 9, and 79% pass accuracy against 73%. The Czech champions secured their place in the group stage, etching their name into Champions League folklore with this unforgettable comeback.

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