Travelling to Prague via Leipzig in Germany made for a scenic trip and upon reaching our hotel in Prague early on Wednesday afternoon I soon realised that I would have a chance to take in a location of interest and would also be able to get a few photos. The hotel was situated in the Zizkov district of Prague and turned out to be only 5 minutes walking distance from the FK Viktoria Stadion, the home of FK Viktoria Zizkov who infamously and prematurely ended our 2002/03 UEFA Cup campaign back in October 2002.
The previous season saw the debut of Alex McLeish in European action as Rangers Manager. In the fourth round we were up against Feyenoord. I recall our team being unlucky that night, and the cursed charms of Pierre van Hooijdonk. A 3-4 aggregate score meant that we went out and the team went on to clinch a memorable double to end the season with relative success. So a Rangers team still consisting of Numan, Caniggia, De Boer, Amoruso et al were expected to have a decent Uefa Cup run but alas it was not to be.
Viktoria Zizkov v Rangers, 18 September 2002.
My recollection of this game is not so good. I recall as a 14 year old, watching the game with my Dad in a pub on the Shankill Road. More vividly, during the game there was a thunderstorm in Belfast and there was a jakey outside in the street, flat out sleeping while it was absolutely pouring down! Until a wee bit of prior research I could not remember a Barry Ferguson missed penalty but I did remember a poor, below-par performance and result against European minnows. That last sentence echoes very loudly, given the events at Ibrox this week and our latest European embarrassment.
The team that night was as follows;
Rangers: Klos; Muscat (Konterman 60), Malcolm, Moore, Ross; Ricksen, Ferguson, Lovenkrands; De Boer (Mols 75); Caniggia (Latapy 87), Arveladze. Subs not used: McGregor, Dodds, Gibson, Dowie.
The Statto's reading this will realise that the game wasn't actually played at Viktoria's home ground. The game was staged at the Strahov Stadium in Prague (Stadion Evžena Rošického) due to UEFA regulations. So on to the Viktoria Stadion. I had been told by a mate who had already been to visit earlier in the day that "It's like Seaview with a temporary stand behind the net" - Seaview of course being home of Crusaders FC in Belfast.
The main entrance gate to the stadium was open to all and you were free to wander around the front side of the stadium which was very tight against the pitch. It really did have the feel of an Irish League ground, with its small capacity, low standard and general appearance. A small 'fanshop' was situated right next to the stand. I bought a pin badge as a momento of my visit and after taking a few photos, I had a wee minute or two for a few thoughts including how this very small club claimed a major scalp and how it must have been for them.
So, by sheer chance, I had the opportunity to 'revisit' part of the recent history of our club despite the memories not being particularly fond. It was good to get to see a another football ground in a new place that just happened to be very relevant to a Bear. Maybe 7 years from now, one of us will be recalling a visit to Bucharest, though I just hope this latest nightmare has a happy ending to come, starting two weeks from now.