The UEFA Champions League match between French teams PSG and Brest was a predictable one, with PSG taking a convincing 3-0 lead in the first leg. According to Opta, PSG has a 99% chance of advancing to the next round, as they have done so in 17 out of 18 previous occasions when they won the first leg of a European knockout tie away from home. This is the third time this season that PSG has defeated Brest, scoring 3 or more goals each time. Their unbeaten streak against Brest now stands at 31 matches (23 wins, 8 draws), which is their longest unbeaten run against any opponent in their history. It is highly likely that they will continue this streak unless they face their first defeat of the season at home against a French club (10 wins, 2 draws).
Despite a strong start, Brest’s performance in the UEFA Champions League has been disappointing, with them conceding 8 goals in their last 3 matches. Head coach Éric Roy believes that the 3-0 loss in the first leg was harsh, but admits that it will be almost impossible for them to progress as no team has ever done so after losing the first leg at home by 3 or more goals. Brest’s main goal now is to secure qualification for European football next season, and they have had a decent run of form in Ligue 1, with only one loss in their last 6 matches (4 wins, 1 draw). However, their previous defeat was against PSG at home (5-2), which does not bode well for their upcoming match. A win, even by a small margin, would greatly boost their confidence, but Brest has not beaten PSG away in any competition since September 1981 (5 draws, 13 losses).
Keep an eye on midfielder Fabián Ruiz, who scored PSG’s only goal in their recent match and has a record of scoring against Brest. Ludovic Ajorque, who scored in their last match, will be looking to break his pattern of scoring in every second game. Fun fact: Brest’s last 7 losses in all competitions have been by a margin of 2 or more goals.
