Brest is about to embark on its first-ever Champions League journey, but the team faces a tough challenge after being drawn into a group with PSV, Real Madrid, and FC Barcelona.
It will be difficult for Brest to advance, but as we know, anything can happen in football. They must approach each game with focus, and winning this opening match is critical.
In Ligue 1, Brest’s start to the season has been less than ideal, suffering heavy defeats in their first two games—losing 1-5 to Marseille and 2-0 to Lens. Fortunately, they bounced back with a convincing 4-0 win over AS Saint-Étienne. Last weekend, Brest tested themselves against PSG, a semifinalist in last year’s Champions League.
Sturm Graz, however, should not be underestimated. Despite losing their league opener to SK Rapid 1-0, the Austrian side has gone unbeaten in all competitions since, with a run of five straight wins (excluding friendlies). The reigning Austrian champions were aiming for their fifth consecutive league victory in their match against Austria Vienna.
Just before the international break, Sturm defeated Tirol 4-2 and advanced to the Austrian Cup round of 16 after eliminating Ried with a 3-1 win.
Brest will be missing the young talent Locko, a silver medalist at the Paris Games, who is out due to a serious injury. This is the only significant absence for coach Éric Roy’s squad. However, they can rely on their star player Romain Del Castillo (who had 8 goals and 8 assists last season), who already has a goal and an assist this season.
They also have former Strasbourg striker Ajorque, who scored before the break against Saint-Étienne. Key players such as Kenny Lala, Mahdi Camara (2 goals in 3 matches), Chardonnet, Le Cardinal, and Jordan Amavi are expected to feature prominently.
On the other side, Sturm Graz will likely be without defender Borkovic, who has been out for several months due to injury. Despite this, the Austrian team has adapted well to his absence.
Players in excellent form for Sturm include young Austrian international Grgic (18 years old, 2 goals in the league), Georgian international Kiteishvili (9 goals and 5 assists last season, 2 goals this season), and Danish hopeful Biereth (3 goals). Slovenian international Horvat and Belgian Lavalee have also found the net in the league.
Prediction
Brest has been in poor form lately, collecting just two points from a possible 23 and losing their last four home matches.
In contrast, Sturm Graz has been impressive, securing nine wins in their last 12 Champions League fixtures, including four consecutive victories. Given this form, Sturm Graz looks set to dominate.
Prediction: Brest 0 : 3 Sturm Graz
