The Daily Star Ireland
Stade Brestois couldn’t manage to pull off an upset against FC Barcelona in their final Champions League group match. Despite putting up a solid performance, they were unable to overcome the strength of the Catalan side, suffering their first defeat of the campaign. Nonetheless, this marks a significant achievement for Brest, as it is their inaugural appearance in European competition.
Brest has had a strong start to their European journey, with 3 wins from their first 4 group-stage matches. They secured victories over Sturm Graz (2-1), RB Salzburg (0-4), and Sparta Prague (1-2), while drawing 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen. These results have placed them in 11th position, tied with 8th-place Monaco. However, their domestic form has been less impressive, with three consecutive losses to Nice (0-1), Montpellier (3-1), and Monaco (3-2). Upcoming league matches against Strasbourg and Lille will be crucial for their domestic recovery.
In contrast, PSV Eindhoven, a team with much more European experience, finds itself lower in the standings than Brest. Their campaign began poorly, with a draw and two losses, including a 3-1 defeat to Juventus and a 1-1 draw against PSG and Sporting.
However, PSV bounced back with dominant victories over Girona (4-0) and a thrilling comeback win against Shakhtar Donetsk in their latest match, lifting them to 18th place. In their domestic league, PSV has been in excellent form, winning 12 of their first 13 matches. They will face Utrecht and Twente before traveling to Brittany for this European clash.
Brest will be without key playmaker Pierre Lees-Melou, who suffered a significant injury in their match against Monaco. However, they have managed without him before, as he was also absent during Brest’s first two Champions League wins. Long-term absentees Locko and Zogbé, who is not registered, will also miss the match. Brest will rely on their in-form striker Sima, who has scored 3 goals in the competition, and center-forward Ajorque, who is still searching for his first Champions League goal. Midfielders Fernandes, Magnetti, and Camara will play key roles in the match.
PSV will also be missing several players, including Veerman, Schouten, and Dest, as well as young players Driouech and Nagalo. Nevertheless, PSV boasts a talented squad, including dynamic winger Lang, experienced striker Luuk de Jong (with 8 goals in all competitions), midfielder Tillman (with 5 goals in the league and 3 in the Champions League), and attacking Mexican forward Lozano (with 4 league goals). They also have the promising American striker Pepi, who has netted 9 goals in the league and 1 in the Champions League. Former French league veterans, such as goalkeeper Benitez and defender Boscagli, add depth to the squad.
Prediction
PSV has been an exciting team to watch recently, with 22 consecutive matches in the Champions League featuring goals at both ends of the pitch. Brest will face a tough challenge against a team known for its attacking strength. Based on current form, PSV is likely to win this match 4-1.
