UEL: Lazio Defy Odds to Beat Viktoria Plzen 2-1 Despite Two Red Cards

Lazio secured a stunning 2-1 victory over Viktoria Plzen in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last 16 tie, despite being reduced to nine men, thanks to Gustav Isaksen's dramatic late winner.

In a stunning turn of events, nine-man Lazio secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Viktoria Plzen in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last 16 tie. Gustav Isaksen's incredible 98th-minute winner sealed the win for Lazio, making them only the second visiting team to triumph at the Doosan Arena in 18 Europa League matches.

Viktoria Plzen, fresh from their impressive play-off round win over Ferencvaros, recognized the importance of starting strong against their Italian opponents. The Czech side had produced a remarkable second-leg display on home soil to overcome Ferencvaros, and they sought to replicate that performance against Lazio.

Viktoria Plzen thought they had taken an early lead when Pavel Sulc fired a brilliant strike into the far corner, but VAR intervened, disallowing the goal due to a contentious offside decision. Lazio capitalized on this reprieve, with Alessio Romagnoli converting Tijjani Noslin's flicked header at the back post to score his second Europa League goal of the season.

As the first half progressed, Lazio continued to hold the upper hand, but clear-cut chances were scarce as Plzen's defense held firm under pressure. Boulaye Dia's low effort was comfortably saved by Martin Jedlicka, while Gustav Isaksen squandered a glorious one-on-one opportunity with a heavy touch that allowed Jedlicka to collect the ball.

Lazio leave it late 😳#UEL pic.twitter.com/QHXQD1jt8R

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 6, 2025

Plzen emerged with renewed vigor in the second half, and their pressure paid off when Lukas Kalvach's inviting free-kick was clinically headed home by Rafiu Durosinmi. Emboldened by this goal, Plzen came close to adding a quick second, as Durosinmi's powerful strike from 12 yards was smartly parried away by Ivan Provedel. As the match entered its final half-hour, Plzen continued to push forward in pursuit of a winning goal.

The hosts' hopes were boosted in the 77th minute when Nicolo Rovella was sent off for a high boot on Sulc after a lengthy VAR review. With the numerical advantage, Plzen intensified their pressure on Lazio but were unable to find a way through. Despite being reduced to nine men after a second red card, Lazio would go on to seal a stunning victory in the dying moments of the match.