· 2 min readIn this Brest vs PSG match, I analyse the key tactical moments, individual performances and turning points of the game.
PSG came into this game with a horrible start to the season. Three games in Ligue 1, no wins, two draws and one defeat. In the two draws, they were twice 2-0 down and managed to come back in the final minutes. In the defeat, they created good chances, but could not score. Against Brest, they could not afford to drop points again.
Brest are a modest team who had a great season in 2023/24, but have since returned to their usual level, fighting around mid-table. And this PSG, despite being much stronger, do not look the same as they have in recent seasons.
Before the game itself, Brest came onto the pitch with “King” on their shirts, in tribute to Éric Roy, former manager and one of the most important figures in the modern history of the club, who died a few months ago from cancer. It was Roy who led Brest to third place in that great season.
On the pitch, PSG started very well. In the 5th minute, João Neves carried the ball, Dembélé gave a simple backheel and Ferran Torres appeared to shoot low, with curl, putting the ball into the corner. 0-1 and PSG ahead in the opening minutes.
Dembélé remained very active and, in the 9th minute, cut in from the right and shot for Selvik to save. The ball still fell to Kvaratskhelia, but the Georgian failed to connect properly. PSG were pressing well and creating a few situations, while Brest were also trying to play and were not simply sitting back.
In the 22nd minute, Kvaratskhelia showed his quality again, with a good control and fake shot before shooting with curl. Selvik made a good save.
The game, however, became more balanced. Hakimi went off injured in the 39th minute and Fabian Ruiz came on, with Zaïre-Emery moving to right-back. Dembélé continued to be the most active player, touching the ball more than anyone else, but PSG gradually lost their momentum.
At half-time, PSG had 58% possession, but just 0.43 expected goals. It was little for a team of this quality. Brest had 0.33.
In the second half, Brest grew considerably. In the 49th minute, Nuno Mendes gave the ball away horribly to Doumbia, who won it back, carried the ball and hit the post. It was a golden opportunity to equalise.
Brest continued to push and reached 0.79 expected goals in the second half, compared to just 0.07 for PSG after 65 minutes. Doumbia threatened again and Safonov had to make a great save from a header.
PSG still had a good chance through João Neves, who received the ball at the far post and shot from a tight angle. The ball ended up practically on the line.
The problem was that the 0-1 remained extremely dangerous. Brest already deserved the equaliser and, in the 87th minute, they almost got it. Ajorque controlled the ball after a free-kick and laid it off to Mboup, who appeared unmarked and shot towards the corner. Safonov made an enormous save.
PSG eventually survived and finally secured their first Ligue 1 win. But, honestly, considering the difference in quality between the two teams, it was a below-par performance.
Post-match
PSG won, which was the most important thing, but they had a very poor second half and came far too close to letting a victory that seemed obligatory slip away.
