UEFA Champions League: PSG vs Brest Preview - February 19, 2025

UEFA Champions League: PSG vs Brest Preview - February 19, 2025


The UEFA Champions League returns with an exciting Round of 16 clash between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Stade Brestois 29 (Brest) on February 19, 2025. PSG, perennial title contenders, will be looking to dominate this matchup against a resilient Brest side that has defied expectations to reach this stage of the competition.

 

Event Details

  • Fixture: Paris Saint-Germain vs Stade Brestois 29
  • Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
  • Kick-Off Time: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 21:00 CET
  • Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris, France
  • Broadcast & Live Stream:
    • UK: BT Sport, TNT Sports
    • US: CBS Sports, Paramount+
    • France: Canal+, beIN Sports
    • Worldwide: Available via regional broadcasters and UEFA’s official streaming services

 

Team News

Paris Saint-Germain

PSG, under manager Luis Enrique, are expected to be at full strength for this fixture. With their star-studded squad, they are one of the favorites to progress to the next round.

  • Injuries/Suspensions:
    • Achraf Hakimi: Doubtful with a muscle strain.
    • Marquinhos: Fit and ready after a brief injury scare.
    • Marco Asensio: Out with a long-term injury.
  • Key Players:
    • Kylian Mbappé: The talismanic forward remains PSG's most dangerous weapon.
    • Ousmane Dembélé: Provides pace and creativity on the wing.
    • Gianluigi Donnarumma: The Italian goalkeeper will be crucial in maintaining a solid defense.




Stade Brestois 29

Brest, managed by Eric Roy, have shown resilience throughout the competition. They enter the match as underdogs but will be eager to pull off a major upset.

  • Injuries/Suspensions:
    • Jérémy Le Douaron: Doubtful with a minor knock.
    • Kenny Lala: Suspended due to yellow card accumulation.
    • Franck Honorat: Available and expected to start.
  • Key Players:
    • Steve Mounié: A physical presence up front, capable of troubling PSG’s defense.
    • Pierre Lees-Melou: Controls the midfield and dictates the tempo.
    • Marco Bizot: Brest’s last line of defense, expected to be busy against PSG’s attack.

 

Possible Lineups

Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3):

  • Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
  • Defenders: Nuno Mendes, Marquinhos, Milan Škriniar, Achraf Hakimi (if fit)
  • Midfielders: Warren Zaïre-Emery, Manuel Ugarte, Vitinha
  • Forwards: Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, Randal Kolo Muani

Stade Brestois 29 (4-2-3-1):

  • Goalkeeper: Marco Bizot
  • Defenders: Lilian Brassier, Brendan Chardonnet, Bradley Locko, Julien Le Cardinal
  • Midfielders: Hugo Magnetti, Pierre Lees-Melou
  • Attacking Midfielders: Romain Del Castillo, Franck Honorat, Mathias Pereira Lage
  • Forward: Steve Mounié

 

Playing Ground: Parc des Princes

PSG’s home stadium, Parc des Princes, is renowned for its electrifying atmosphere, with over 48,000 fans expected to cheer for the home team. The Parisians boast an impressive home record in the Champions League, making this venue a fortress.

 

Head-to-Head Record

  • Total Matches: 32
  • PSG Wins: 24
  • Brest Wins: 2
  • Draws: 6

PSG have historically dominated this fixture, with Brest struggling to break their stronghold. The last meeting between the two sides ended in a comfortable PSG victory.

 

Match Preview

PSG’s Tactical Approach

PSG are expected to control possession and use their quick transitions to break down Brest’s defense. Kylian Mbappé’s pace and Dembélé’s trickery on the flanks will be crucial in stretching the opposition.

Brest’s Strategy

Brest will likely adopt a deep defensive block, relying on counterattacks to surprise PSG. With Steve Mounié leading the line, they may also look to capitalize on set-pieces against PSG’s occasionally vulnerable defense.

 

Key Battles

  1. Kylian Mbappé vs. Brendan Chardonnet: Brest’s captain will have a daunting task containing the French superstar.
  2. Vitinha vs. Pierre Lees-Melou: A midfield duel that could dictate the game’s tempo.
  3. Steve Mounié vs. Milan Škriniar: The physicality of Brest’s striker against PSG’s solid defender.

 

Betting Odds & Predictions

  • PSG Win: 1/5
  • Brest Win: 12/1
  • Draw: 6/1

PSG are heavy favorites, and anything other than a convincing win would be considered a surprise. A 3-0 victory for PSG is a likely outcome given their attacking firepower and home advantage.

 

How to Watch

United Kingdom:

  • BT Sport
  • TNT Sports

United States:

  • CBS Sports
  • Paramount+

France:

  • Canal+
  • beIN Sports

Global:

  • Check regional broadcasters for live streaming options.

 

Conclusion

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Stade Brestois 29 promises to be an intriguing Champions League encounter. PSG’s attacking brilliance and superior squad depth make them favorites, but Brest’s resilience and counterattacking capabilities mean they cannot be underestimated. Fans can expect an exciting game under the lights of Parc des Princes on February 19, 2025!