Pilgrim's Progress

December 2025

Plymouth Qualify from CL Group

Argyle completed qualification from Group E with a match to spare, with a comprehgensive 5-1 demolition of the hapless Sparta Prague at Home Park.

Facundo Farias celebrated his Champions League debut with a goal after only 20 minutes and there were goals from Herrera, Galeano and Devaux as the Pilgrims ran riot.

Argyle will top the group due to their head-to-head record against PSG, who are now concerned that Argyle will field a weakened side in Sevilla and make their own bid to qualify potentially harder.

City Draw and a Wolves Thrashing

Following the victory over Sparta Prague, Argyle could only manage a draw at the Etihad, as Manchester City twice came from behind.  Ruben Dias’ headed goal, from a corner, in the 96th minute, was particularly hard to take and it means Argyle fall further behind Arsenal, who continue to win.  The Pilgrims are now 4 points behind the Gunners.

Despite the pressure to match Arsenal’s run, Manager Bobby Stones gave a team of fringe players a runout in the match against Wolves, and the kids duly delivered a total thrashing of the West Midlands’ side.  One of last season's Academy promotees Hugo Rodrigues was the star of the show, delivering a first-half hat-trick in fine style, whilst summer academy promotee Pepe Escobar scored his first two senior goals from the number 10 role.  Despite Wolves having most possession, and twice as many passes, the kids simply brushed Wolves aside in a manner that will have Wolves fans very concerned.

Facundo Farias contined his scoring form against Aston Villa, netting twice in a 4-2 victory on 13 December.  Rayan Cherki fired the other two home, continuing his own fine scoring start for the Pilgrims since his move to Argyle in the summer.