Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) welcomes Brest to the Parc des Princes for the second leg of their Champions League knockout playoff on Wednesday. Having secured a dominant 3-0 victory in the first leg, PSG is in complete control of the tie and looks set to book their place in the last 16.
Match Preview
Luis Enrique’s side made light work of Brest in the first leg, with goals from Vitinha and a brace from the in-form Ousmane Dembélé securing a comfortable win. Historically, no team in Champions League history has ever overturned a three-goal deficit from the first leg at home, making Brest’s challenge nearly impossible.
This is the first all-French Champions League tie since Lyon edged past Bordeaux in 2009-10, but the gulf in quality between PSG and Brest has been evident throughout. PSG is currently on an 18-match unbeaten streak, winning 15 of those games, and their confidence is sky-high heading into this fixture.
A win here would also bring them closer to breaking the French record for the longest unbeaten run against a single opponent. PSG has not lost to Brest in their last 31 meetings, a streak dating back to January 1985.
Brest’s Challenge
Brest, managed by Eric Roy, will be looking to salvage some pride, but history is not on their side. They have never won at the Parc des Princes in 18 attempts, last tasting victory there in 1981. They also need at least three goals to have a chance, but they have never scored more than two at this venue in their history.
Despite their struggles in the Champions League, Brest has been solid in Ligue 1, sitting just one point off the top seven. Their recent domestic form suggests they could still qualify for European competition next season.
Team News & Expected Lineups
PSG Team News
Luis Enrique rested key players during PSG’s 1-0 victory over Toulouse at the weekend. Ousmane Dembélé, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, and Joao Neves are all expected to return to the starting XI.
However, Warren Zaire-Emery remains sidelined with an ankle injury.
PSG Predicted XI: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz; Doue, Dembele, Barcola.
Brest Team News
Eric Roy may rotate his squad slightly, considering the slim chances of a comeback. Defenders Jordan Amavi (hamstring) and Bradley Locko (Achilles) are ruled out, while midfielders Jonas Martin (muscle), Romain Del Castillo (knee), and forward Ibrahim Salah are also unavailable.
Brest Predicted XI: Bizot; Zogbe, Chardonnet, Coulibaly, Pereira Lage; Lees-Melou, Magnetti, Doumbia; Faivre, Ajorque, Mama Balde.
Prediction: PSG 4-0 Brest
The first-leg result has all but sealed PSG’s qualification, but Enrique will still field a strong lineup to ensure no surprises. With Brest likely focusing on their upcoming Ligue 1 fixture against Strasbourg, PSG is expected to cruise to another comfortable win.
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