Paris Saint-Germain vs. Brest | Champions League | Knockout Round Playoffs | Pre Match

Paris Saint-Germain welcome Brest to the Parc des Princes in what should be a formality in the second leg of their knockout playoff tie in the Champions League on Wednesday. Having secured a commanding 3-0 victory in last week’s first leg, Luis Enrique’s side has placed itself in an incredibly dominant position, leaving Brest with an almost insurmountable challenge ahead of them. In the history of this prestigious competition, no team has ever managed to overturn a three-goal deficit from a home leg, making PSG overwhelming favorites to cruise into the last 16.

This tie marks the first all-French Champions League clash since Lyon edged past Bordeaux 3-2 on aggregate in the quarter-finals of the 2009-10 season. However, the gulf in quality between PSG and Brest has been far more pronounced than that previous encounter. The reigning French champions asserted their superiority in the first leg with a ruthless performance, as Vitinha’s early penalty set the tone before a clinical double from the in-form Ousmane Dembele effectively put the tie beyond Brest’s reach. It was a display that underscored PSG’s growing dominance in Europe, with Enrique’s men hitting peak form at the perfect time. Over the past three months, no team in Europe has displayed more consistency, and their current momentum suggests that they could mount a serious challenge for the Champions League title.

Statistically, the odds are stacked overwhelmingly in PSG’s favor. Opta’s analysis gives them a staggering 99% chance of advancing, with the possibility of facing either Liverpool or Barcelona in the next round—two clubs who topped their respective league-phase groups and will pose a serious challenge. Despite the overwhelming advantage, Enrique and his squad will be wary of complacency, ensuring they maintain their high standards in this second leg. The opportunity to move another step closer to breaking a long-standing French football record provides additional motivation. PSG have not suffered defeat against Brest in an astonishing 31 meetings, a streak dating back to January 1985. Should they extend this run, they will edge closer to the all-time record held by Monaco, who went unbeaten in 34 consecutive matches against Montpellier between 1995 and 2018.

This fixture also presents PSG with a rare chance to complete a quadruple of victories over the same opponent within a single season—something they last achieved against Monaco during the 2017-18 campaign. Confidence is soaring through the squad, particularly after their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Toulouse at the weekend. Even with several key players rested, PSG continued their unbeaten run, which now stretches to 18 matches in all competitions, with 15 wins in their last 16 outings. This level of consistency makes them a formidable force as they seek their maiden Champions League triumph.

For Brest, this second leg represents what is likely to be the conclusion of a historic yet ultimately short-lived adventure in Europe’s elite club competition. Their fans have relished the experience, but the reality is grim—no team has ever recovered from a three-goal home-leg defeat in the history of the Champions League. Moreover, their head-to-head record against PSG provides little cause for optimism. Brest have never won at the Parc des Princes in 18 attempts, with their last victory in the capital dating back to 1981. The fact that they must score at least three goals to have a chance of progressing makes their task even more daunting, particularly considering they have never netted more than two goals in a single match at this venue.

The excitement of their debut Champions League campaign has gradually faded, with results taking a downward turn at the worst possible time. After an electrifying start, Brest have lost four of their last five matches in the competition, exposing the limitations of their squad at this level. The 3-0 first-leg defeat also marked their third consecutive home loss, a slump they had not endured in almost 12 years. Although they managed to avoid another defeat at the weekend with a 2-2 draw against Auxerre, their preparation for this daunting second leg has been far from ideal.

However, there remains a glimmer of hope for Brest’s European ambitions beyond this season. In Ligue 1, they have suffered just one defeat in their last six outings, keeping them within touching distance of the top seven. A strong domestic finish could secure them a place in continental competition next season, albeit at a lower level than the Champions League. That objective is likely to be their primary focus now, with a crucial fixture against seventh-placed Strasbourg looming at the weekend. Given the improbable nature of a comeback against PSG, manager Eric Roy may opt to rotate his squad, preserving key players for the battles ahead in Ligue 1.

For PSG, the luxury of resting players in the first leg and still securing a comfortable victory underlines their squad depth. Six key starters were given a break at the weekend, including Dembele, who has been in sensational form throughout 2025. The explosive winger has been the standout performer in European football this year, netting an incredible 18 goals in his last 12 matches. With 15 of those coming since January alone, Dembele has already matched his best-ever goal tally for a calendar year—and it is still only February. His return to the starting lineup will be a major boost, as he looks to continue his devastating run of form. Alongside him, the likes of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, and Joao Neves are all expected to return, strengthening an already dominant PSG side.

The one key absentee for the hosts is Warren Zaire-Emery, who remains sidelined with an ankle injury. Nevertheless, PSG’s strength in depth ensures that his absence will not be a major concern, particularly with a comfortable aggregate lead. Meanwhile, Brest’s injury troubles add to their mounting problems. Defensive duo Jordan Amavi (hamstring) and Bradley Locko (Achilles) remain unavailable, while midfielders Jonas Martin (muscle) and Romain Del Castillo (knee) are also still struggling with setbacks. Their injury list was further compounded at the weekend when Ibrahim Salah was forced off within the opening 20 minutes, making him another likely absentee.

With all these factors considered, Wednesday’s match is widely expected to be a routine evening for PSG. While Brest will undoubtedly fight for pride, the sheer quality gap between the two sides, coupled with the weight of history against them, makes an upset nearly impossible. PSG will be looking to maintain their momentum as they prepare for tougher challenges ahead, with the Champions League knockout stages set to become far more competitive. For Enrique and his players, this is not just about securing qualification—it is about sending a statement of intent to the rest of Europe. With the form they are in, PSG will be a team that no one wants to face in the latter stages of the competition.