The Hungarian champions controlled key periods of the match and turned a goalless first half into a valuable win, although Denis Višinský’s late goal ensured a tense finish.
The result gave Ferencváros six points from their opening two league-phase matches, keeping them unbeaten in the competition proper.
Ferencváros struggle to break the deadlock
Both teams started cautiously, with Ferencváros attempting to create openings through wide deliveries while Viktoria Plzeň looked to threaten from distance.
The visitors tested young Ferencváros goalkeeper Dániel Radnóti in the 11th minute when Amar Memić unleashed a long-range effort, which the goalkeeper pushed behind for a corner.
Ferencváros responded with a promising attack involving Krisztián Lisztes and Veljko Birmančević, but the latter’s effort from inside the penalty area lacked the power and accuracy to trouble goalkeeper Dominik Ťapaj.
The hosts continued to search for an opening, but Plzeň’s defence remained organised. Neither side could find a breakthrough before the interval, leaving the contest goalless at half-time.
Zachariassen breaks the deadlock
Ferencváros returned from the break with greater purpose and took the lead in the 49th minute.
Bamidele Yusuf supplied Birmančević, who then set up Zachariassen inside the penalty area. The Norwegian midfielder finished confidently from around 11 metres, placing his shot into the bottom-left corner to make it 1-0.
The goal gave Ferencváros greater confidence, and they continued to threaten as Plzeň attempted to respond through substitutions and increased attacking pressure.
The Czech visitors introduced fresh attacking options, but Ferencváros maintained control and limited their opponents’ clear opportunities.
Zachariassen converts penalty to double the lead
Ferencváros strengthened their advantage in the 81st minute after Birmančević was brought down in the penalty area.
The referee initially reversed his decision before awarding the spot-kick following a brief review. Zachariassen stepped up and converted confidently, completing his brace and putting the hosts 2-0 ahead.
The second goal appeared to put Ferencváros in a comfortable position, but Plzeň refused to give up.
Višinský sparks late pressure
Viktoria Plzeň pulled a goal back in the 90th minute through Denis Višinský, who finished to make it 2-1 and set up a nervous conclusion.
Six minutes of stoppage time followed, during which Radnóti made an important save from a long-range effort. Ferencváros also had to withstand late pressure and several cautions before the final whistle confirmed their victory.
Despite the late scare, the home side held on to claim a second consecutive Europa League win.
Ferencváros maintain perfect European record
The victory moved Ferencváros to six points after two league-phase matches, following their 3-1 away win over Celtic in their opening fixture.
The Hungarian side sat seventh in the standings after the second matchday, strengthening their position as they pursue qualification for the knockout stages.
Ferencváros will next host Portugal’s Torreense on Thursday, 22 October, looking to extend their winning run in Europe.
For Viktoria Plzeň, the defeat was a setback after a difficult evening in Budapest, with the Czech side left to seek a response in their next European fixture.