Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Brest are set to face off in an exciting UEFA Champions League playoff encounter at the Stade Francis-Le Ble. While PSG aims to continue their journey towards an elusive first Champions League trophy, Brest is eager to make history in their debut campaign. This match promises high stakes, thrilling action, and top-tier football entertainment.
Match Preview: Brest vs. PSG
PSG and Brest have been frequent foes in the French top flight, but this time, they collide on the grand European stage. Both teams finished with 13 points in the Champions League league phase, with PSG edging into the seeded playoff positions thanks to their superior goal difference.
The Parisian giants have regained their form after a shaky start, winning their last three Champions League matches against Red Bull Salzburg, Manchester City, and Stuttgart. Their recent 4-1 victory over Stuttgart sealed their spot in the playoffs, and they followed it up with an emphatic 4-1 Ligue 1 win over AS Monaco. Luis Enrique’s men are in superb form, boasting a 16-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
On the other hand, Brest shocked many with their impressive Champions League campaign, securing three wins and holding Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen to a draw. Though they struggled against heavyweights like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Shakhtar Donetsk, a crucial victory over PSV Eindhoven secured their place in the playoffs. Brest’s recent form has also been promising, as they followed up a 2-1 Coupe de France win over Troyes with a solid 2-0 Ligue 1 victory against Nantes.
However, history heavily favors PSG. The Ligue 1 champions have not lost to Brest since January 1985, and their latest encounter on February 1 saw them secure a dominant 5-2 victory.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Brest Team News
Brest will be without Bradley Locko (leg injury) and Karamoko Dembele (muscle injury), while Jonas Martin is also doubtful. However, their star striker Ludovic Ajorque, who has been pressing defenses relentlessly this season, will be crucial in unsettling PSG’s backline.
Brest Possible Starting XI: Bizot; Lala, Chardonnet, Coulibaly, Haidara; Camara, Lees-Melou, Magnetti; Faivre, Ajorque, Balde.
Paris Saint-Germain Team News
PSG will miss young stars Warren Zaire-Emery and Ibrahim Mbaye due to ankle injuries. However, their attacking firepower remains intact, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia expected to make his Champions League debut for PSG alongside the in-form Ousmane Dembele.
PSG Possible Starting XI: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Ruiz, Vitinha, Lee; Barcola, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.
Prediction: Brest 1-3 PSG
PSG’s superior squad depth and astonishing unbeaten record against Brest give them a clear advantage. Ousmane Dembele has been in unstoppable form, and with Kvaratskhelia’s attacking flair, the Parisians should comfortably claim victory. Brest will put up a fight, but PSG's quality should prevail.
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