Stade Brestois vs PSG Prediction

The first ever Champions League knockout play-off tie will be an all French showdown, as underdogs Stade Brestois take on Ligue 1 leaders and 2021 Champions League finalists Paris Saint Germain.

Both sides had an unspectacular league phase, and in fact had identical win loss records (W4, D1, L3). However, Brest didn’t beat anyone of note in their league fixtures, defeating Sturm Graz, Salzburg, PSV Eindhoven and Sparta Prague.

PSG managed to collect some more illustrious scalps, including Manchester City and VFB Stuttgart, but their stuttering form which saw them draw against Eindhoven and lose to PSG and Bayern Munich will force them to be wary of an upset here.

As the first ever play-off tie approaches, here is everything you need to know about both sides ahead of kick-off.

Key Statistics

• PSG are unbeaten in their last 16 matches in all competitions, a run stretching back to the end of November. Ousmane Dembele has notched 19 goals and assists in that time.
• History favours PSG heavily in this fixture; they haven’t lost to Brest in any of their last 20 meetings (W18, D2).
• Brest have been the masters of three points games, having not drawn since a 1-1 tie against Bayer Leverkusen in the League Phase all the way back in October.
• The two sides met in the league on February 1st, with PSG emerging as dominant 5-2 winners on that occasion.

Stade Brestois Preview

Brest Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Marco Bozit (GK); Massadio Haidara, Abdoulaye N’Diaye, Brendan Chardonnet, Kenny Lala; Hugo Magnetti, Pierre Lees-Melou, Mahdi Camara; Abdallah Sima, Ludovic Ajorque, Romain Faivre.

Sitting eighth in Ligue 1, things appear to have returned to normal for Brest, at least domestically. However, for a club playing in the French second division in 2019, there is nothing normal about finding themselves in the knock-out stages of the Champions League.

Employing an end to end brand of football, Brest have certainly entertained in Europe this season. While they may have lost 3-0 to Real Madrid last time out, they outplayed the reigning champions, and deserved to take something away from the game. Their 23 shots to Madrid’s 14 tells you all you need to know about their playstyle.

However, Eric Roy’s side will be more than aware of the one-sided head to head between themselves and PSG, and he of all people will know that it will need to be a monumental effort to finally notch a win against their nemesis. PSG seem to have gone up a gear in recent months, and almost any side in the world would struggle to stop them at their sparkling best.

PSG Preview

PSG Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Gianliugi Donnarumma (GK); Nuno Mendes, Lucas Hernandez, Marquinhos, Joao Neves; Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Desire Doue; Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola.

After a less than ideal opening month or two, PSG have resumed the dominant form that has seen them rule French football for more than a decade. Still unbeaten in the league, and notching 16 goals in their last five games, Luis Enrique’s side are playing at the irresistible best at the moment.

Former Barca wideman Dembele has been key to their success this season. Transitioning away from his typical role of winger, the Frenchman has stepped up as a dynamic front man when called upon, and boasts eight goals in his last three games.

Add to that some exceptional support on the wings from the likes of Barcola and January signing Kvaratskhelia, and PSG’s front line appears without weakness. There have been some questions asked in defence at times this season, but with the number of goals they are netting at the other end, poor defence shouldn’t interfere too much with the result.

Stade Brestois vs PSG Head to Head

Recent Meetings:

• 01/02/2025: Brest 2-5 PSG.
• 14/09/2024: PSG 3-1 Brest.
• 07/02/2024: PSG 3-1 Brest.
• 28/01/2024: PSG 2-2 Brest.
• 29/10/2023: Brest 2-3 PSG.

Stade Brestois vs PSG Betting Tip

Given the one-sided history of this fixture, it would be foolish to bet against PSG winning here. They simply have too much talent and tactical acumen to be halted by a fellow french side. However, with Brest’s breathless style, they will tire PSG towards the end, and will likely bag a goal or two.

That is why we are backing PSG to win and both teams to score.

Stade Brestois vs PSG Final Prediction

Stade Brestois 1-3 PSG

While Brest will have a good go at it, their two squads are simply not comparable in terms of raw ability, and PSG’s big names will get the job done. However, if we are proven wrong, then the second leg could be a very interesting affair.