Brest is making its debut in the Champions League, but they were dealt a tough hand in the draw, facing formidable opponents like PSV, Real Madrid, and FC Barcelona.
Securing a playoff spot will be challenging, but in football, anything can happen. For now, Brest must take it one match at a time, starting with this crucial game. The Ligue 1 season hasn’t started as planned for Brest, with two losses in their first two games—one to Marseille (1-5) and another to Lens (2-0).
However, they bounced back with a commanding 4-0 win against AS Saint-Étienne. Last weekend, Brest faced a tough test against PSG, the semi-finalists of the last Champions League edition.
Sturm Graz should not be underestimated. Despite an opening league loss to SK Rapid (1-0), the Austrian club has remained undefeated in its subsequent matches across all competitions. This includes five consecutive victories, although those friendly matches during the break are not considered.
Last weekend, Sturm Graz, the reigning national champions, aimed for a fifth consecutive league win against Austria Vienna. Before the break, they secured a 4-2 home victory over Tirol, following their qualification for the OFB Cup’s round of 16 by eliminating Ried with a 1-3 win.
Brest will be missing the talented Locko, who was seriously injured before the season started, but that’s their only significant absence. Coach Éric Roy can rely on key players like Romain Del Castillo, who scored 8 goals and made 8 assists last season and has already contributed a goal and assist this season.
Forward Ludovic Ajorque, recently returned to Ligue 1 from Strasbourg, will also be important, having scored against Saint-Étienne. Other regulars like Kenny Lala, Mahdi Camara (who has 2 goals in 3 Ligue 1 matches), Brendan Chardonnet, Le Cardinal, and Amavi are expected to play key roles.
On the other side, Sturm Graz will likely be without defender Borkovic, who has been out with an injury for months. Despite this, the Austrians have adjusted well to his absence.
Key players like Austrian international Grgic (18 years old, 2 goals this season), Georgian international Kiteishvili (9 goals and 5 assists last season, 2 goals this season), and Danish international Biereth (3 goals in the league) will lead their charge. Slovenian international Horvat and Belgian Lavalee have also scored in the league this season.
Prediction
Brest has been struggling recently, securing just two points from a possible 23 and losing their last four home games. In contrast, Sturm Graz has been in excellent form, winning nine of their last 12 Champions League matches, including four consecutive victories.
Prediction: Brest 0-3 Sturm Graz
