PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN FACES BREST IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUND OF 16 PLAY-OFF
PSG seeks another dominant performance as they meet Brest for the first time in the knockout stages.
On February 11, 2025, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will face Stade Brestois 29 (Brest) at the Stade de Roudourou for the first leg of their Champions League play-off round. This match marks the first all-Ligue 1 encounter of the knockout phase since 2010, when Bordeaux and Lyon competed. PSG, led by manager Luis Enrique, continues to be heavy favorites against Eric Roy's Brest, who aim to prove themselves on this significant stage.
After finishing lower than expected during the group stage, both teams are vying for advancement to the last 16. Brest's recent struggles have left them recuperate from their defeat against Real Madrid (0-3), highlighting the competitive edge required to overcome the formidable PSG.
Kick-off for this highly anticipated match is scheduled for 6:45 PM CET at Guingamp, France. The referee for the game will be Irfan Peljto (BIH), with VAR overseen by Tomasz Kwiatkowski (POL).
Brest’s recent performance has generated mixed reactions, as they currently sit at the bottom of Ligue 1 after slumping from promising league outings to finishing 18th. Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain's ascension has been marked by strong showings, including remarkable wins against Manchester City and Stuttgart, propelling them to the top of Ligue 1.
Historical performance between the two teams leans heavily toward PSG; they have faced Brest five times recently, winning four and drawing once. Their latest encounter was hardly encouraging for Brest fans when PSG triumphed 5-2 just mere weeks prior.
Eric Roy is contending with significant challenges as injury continues to cripple his squad. Romain Del Castillo remains sidelined with knee issues, and Bradley Locko’s long-term Achilles injury keeps him out of the equation. Other key players, like Jordan Amavi and Jonas Martin, are also expected to miss the tie. Roy's predicted lineup includes Marco Bizot; Kenny Lala, Brendan Chardonnet, Soumaïla Coulibaly, Massadio Haïdara; Mahdi Camara, Pierre Lees-Melou, Hugo Magnetti; Kamory Doumbia; Ludovic Ajorque, and Abdallah Sima as prospective starters against their Ligue 1 rivals.
On the other side, PSG enters the match healthy, with Warren Zaire-Emery as their only notable absentee. Achraf Hakimi returns to the lineup for this match after being rested, and rising star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could play significant minutes after recently joining the squad and netting his first Ligue 1 goal. The team is currently buoyed by the exceptional form of Ousmane Dembele, who is viewed as one of the standout players of the season, having scored 13 goals within the last seven games. Their predicted formation is expected to include Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Barcola, Dembele, and Doue.
With PSG’s recent encounter against Brest fresh on their minds and peak performance from key players, expectations are high. Fans note the likely disparity between the two sides, with PSG currently riding high on form and dominance. They appear to be on their way to securing their next Champions League milestone and aiming to replicate their 2020 finals appearance.
A peculiar topic of discussion surrounding the match is the pitch condition at the Stade de Roudourou, which has garnered viral attention due to its less-than-stellar state. Patches of grass and small holes are present, reportedly due to heavy rainfall and the need for drainage. Despite criticism, many fans believe the pitch won't be detrimental to either team’s performance, emphasizing the rigorous nature of adapting to various playing fields.
With both clubs eager to move forward, it looks like the stage is set for what could be another momentous night for Paris Saint-Germain as they clash with Brest. Will PSG continue their formidable form, or can Brest stage the ultimate upset? Fans and football lovers won't want to miss this electrifying encounter!