Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has taken a significant step toward advancing to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, defeating Brest 3-0 on Tuesday evening. Ousmane Dembélé was the star of the match, scoring two goals and demonstrating his importance to the team as they prepare for the return leg.
The match, held at the Stade du Roudourou, kicked off at 2:45 AM local time, and PSG quickly asserted control. Coach Luis Enrique opted for a 4-3-3 formation, placing Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, with Nuno Mendes, William Pacho, Marquinhos, and Achraf Hakimi forming the backline. The midfield featured João Neves, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz, with Bradley Barcola, Dembélé, and Désiré Doué leading the attack.
PSG opened the scoring early on, as Vitinha converted a penalty kick awarded after Dembélé's shot struck the arm of opponent Pierre Limi. This breakthrough came at the 21st minute and set the mood for the Parisians.Just before halftime, Dembélé doubled the lead, firing home from inside the box after receiving a clever pass from Hakimi. With this second goal, PSG went to halftime with a 2-0 advantage, effectively sealing the outcome of the match.
Despite Brest's efforts to regain momentum, including near-misses and strong defensive plays, they were unable to breach PSG's organized defense, skillfully led by Donnarumma. The second half saw both teams continuing to push for goals, yet it was Dembélé who struck again at the 66th minute, completing his personal brace. His goal finished off another swift break, and with the match slipping away from Brest, it highlighted the disparity between the teams.
Substituted on during the 75th minute, Lee Kang-in made his much-anticipated appearance, entering for Barcola. Although he played just 15 minutes, Kang-in's presence on the field signals his rising status within the squad and adds depth as PSG head toward their ultimate goal of Champions League glory.
PSG's victory also reflects their resurgence following some early challenges this season. The team has exhibited strong form, now sitting atop Ligue 1 and showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level on the European stage. Following this match, the focus shifts to the decisive second leg, where PSG will host Brest at the Parc des Princes, aiming to secure their place among Europe's elite for the knockout rounds.
Overall, PSG's performance was clinical, underlined by Dembélé's braces and Vitinha's confident penalty kick. This match not only affirms PSG's dominance but also sets the tone for their Champions League campaign moving forward. With the imminent second leg awaiting, they have laid out commendable groundwork to progress through the playoffs cautiously and confidently.