Champions League: PSG beat Brest after Ousmane Dembélé double

Paris Saint-Germain seized control of their Champions League knockout phase playoff with a commanding 3-0 first-leg victory over Brest on Tuesday, driven by a brace from forward Ousmane Dembélé. The Parisian giants showcased their dominance on a night that saw them assert their attacking prowess while maintaining defensive solidity. From the outset, PSG demonstrated their intent to take control of the tie, pressing high up the pitch and dictating the tempo of the game. Brest, despite being the underdogs, entered the match with a sense of optimism, knowing that playing against a domestic rival in a European competition presented a unique opportunity to cause an upset. However, it quickly became apparent that PSG’s superior quality and depth would prove to be the deciding factor over the course of the match.

This fixture was only the second time in Champions League history that two French teams had met at this stage of the competition, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already captivating encounter. The early exchanges saw Brest attempt to match PSG’s intensity, pushing forward whenever possible and trying to test Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal. Yet, it was PSG who broke the deadlock in the 21st minute after a moment of controversy. A lofted cross into the Brest penalty area was met with an attempted clearance from Pierre Lees-Melou, but the ball inadvertently struck his outstretched arm. The referee did not hesitate in pointing to the spot, and after a brief VAR check, the penalty was confirmed. Portuguese midfielder Vitinha stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past Marco Bizot, sending the PSG supporters into jubilation while giving his team a crucial early advantage. The goal settled PSG, allowing them to play with more composure and confidence, dictating play from midfield as they searched for a second goal.

Despite falling behind, Brest were not deterred and continued to push forward in search of an equalizer. Their best opportunity of the first half came just after the half-hour mark when Abdallah Sima rose highest to meet a well-delivered cross, directing a powerful header towards goal. The effort had Donnarumma beaten, but unfortunately for Brest, the ball cannoned off the post and back into play, leaving the home fans in despair. This moment highlighted the fine margins in high-stakes European football, as just a few inches separated Brest from a crucial equalizer. The missed opportunity would prove costly, as PSG made their opponents pay with a well-worked second goal just before the halftime whistle.

In the final minute of the first half, PSG doubled their lead through the brilliance of Ousmane Dembélé. The French winger, who has been in scintillating form this season, showcased his individual brilliance by cutting inside from the right flank, weaving past a defender, and unleashing a low-driven shot that sneaked past Bizot at his near post. The goal marked Dembélé’s eighth consecutive match on the scoresheet for PSG, further emphasizing his importance to Luis Enrique’s side. Brest were left shell-shocked as they trudged back to the dressing room at halftime, knowing that they had put in a spirited performance but were still facing an uphill battle against a ruthless PSG attack.

The second half began with renewed energy from PSG, who seemed determined to put the tie beyond Brest’s reach. Their intent was evident early on when Désiré Doué thought he had extended the visitors’ lead just minutes after the restart. The young attacker was played through on goal and showed great composure to slot the ball past Bizot, seemingly sealing PSG’s dominance. However, VAR intervened, and after a minute-long review, the goal was disallowed for offside. Despite the disappointment, PSG remained undeterred, continuing to pile pressure on the Brest defense with wave after wave of attacks. The home side, meanwhile, struggled to find a way back into the contest, as their efforts to build possession were continuously disrupted by PSG’s relentless pressing.

With PSG firmly in control, the final nail in the coffin came in the 66th minute when Dembélé secured his brace. The winger, brimming with confidence, found himself in the right place at the right time after a scramble in the box saw the ball fall kindly to his feet. Without hesitation, he rifled a shot past Bizot, making it 3-0 and effectively putting the tie to bed. The goal was a testament to Dembélé’s clinical finishing ability and his knack for being in the right positions at crucial moments. His second of the night took his tally to an impressive 18 goals in his last 11 matches, a statistic that highlights his incredible run of form. PSG’s dominance over Brest was further reinforced by their historical superiority in head-to-head encounters, as they extended their unbeaten streak against their domestic rivals to 31 matches, with Brest’s last victory dating back to 1985.

As the final whistle blew, PSG’s players celebrated a job well done, knowing that they had taken a massive step towards qualification for the next round. Their commanding victory not only demonstrated their attacking firepower but also their ability to manage the game effectively, maintaining control throughout and limiting Brest’s opportunities. For Brest, the challenge ahead is daunting, as they must now travel to the Parc des Princes on February 19, needing to overturn a three-goal deficit against one of Europe’s most formidable sides. While they showed glimpses of quality in the first leg, their lack of cutting edge in front of goal proved to be their downfall. Unless they can produce a near-perfect performance in the return leg, their Champions League journey looks set to come to an end.

PSG’s performance was a statement of intent, sending a clear message to their European rivals that they are serious contenders in this year’s competition. With their attacking trio firing on all cylinders and their midfield providing a solid foundation, Luis Enrique’s men appear well-equipped to go deep into the tournament. The presence of experienced players such as Vitinha, along with the dynamism of Dembélé, adds a layer of unpredictability to their play, making them a formidable force to reckon with. As they look ahead to the return leg, PSG will be confident in their ability to finish the job in front of their home supporters, while Brest must regroup and find a way to produce a historic comeback against all odds.