Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) delivered a masterclass in dominance, thrashing Brest 7-0 at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday to complete a 10-0 aggregate victory in their Champions League play-off round tie. With this emphatic win, PSG secured their place in the last 16, where they will face either Liverpool or Barcelona in a highly anticipated showdown.
This resounding triumph marks PSG’s largest-ever winning margin in European competition and the first time they have scored seven goals in a Champions League match since their 7-1 demolition of Celtic in November 2017. Seven different players found the back of the net in this historic performance, further underlining the attacking prowess of Luis Enrique’s side.
A Foregone Conclusion
PSG entered the return leg with a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg in Brittany, making Brest’s hopes of an improbable comeback exceedingly slim. The Parisians wasted little time in asserting their authority, playing with intensity and precision from the outset. Brest, participating in their maiden European campaign, were simply outmatched and overwhelmed by the reigning Ligue 1 champions.
Despite an early chance for Brest, when Mathias Pereira Lage’s shot was blocked on the line by Marquinhos, PSG soon took control. In the 20th minute, Bradley Barcola opened the scoring with his 16th goal of the season, skillfully controlling a lofted pass from Fabian Ruiz before slotting past Brest goalkeeper Gregoire Coudert at the near post.
From that moment on, the floodgates opened. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia doubled the lead six minutes before halftime, finishing off a well-worked move that saw Joao Neves deliver a low cross flicked on by Barcola. The Georgian winger’s impact at PSG has been immediate, and his second goal for the club further cemented his reputation as an exciting new addition.
Relentless Second Half Display
PSG could have extended their lead even before halftime, with Neves rattling the crossbar in stoppage time. Brest also had a moment of hope early in the second half when Pierre Lees-Melou struck the post, but any lingering resistance was soon extinguished by the relentless PSG attack.
Just before the hour mark, Vitinha added a third with a beautifully struck effort from the edge of the box. The goal encapsulated PSG’s fluid attacking play, as Brest struggled to contain their superior opponents. The fourth goal followed soon after, as Goncalo Ramos, introduced as a substitute, showed his technical quality by setting up Desire Doue, who calmly slotted home.
Achraf Hakimi then turned provider in the 68th minute, delivering a precise pass for Nuno Mendes to tap in PSG’s fifth goal. Ramos himself got on the scoresheet in the 76th minute, converting from close range for his ninth goal of the campaign.
Brest thought they had found a late consolation goal when Abdallah Sima found the net, but the strike was ruled out for offside. Instead, PSG had the final say, with Kvaratskhelia turning provider to set up 18-year-old Senny Mayulu for his first Champions League goal, capping off a historic night for the home side.
A Statement Performance
The result serves as a stark reminder of PSG’s attacking potential. The team had struggled for goals earlier in the Champions League campaign, scoring just three times in their first five matches. However, their recent surge has been remarkable, netting 21 goals in their last five games across all competitions.
While much of the pre-match focus had been on Ousmane Dembele, who had scored 18 goals in his previous 12 appearances, the French forward surprisingly failed to find the net. However, PSG’s depth in attacking talent ensured that his goal drought was inconsequential on the night.
Luis Enrique’s tactical adjustments have clearly reinvigorated PSG’s offensive approach, and this emphatic victory will send a message to their potential opponents in the knockout stages. With either Liverpool or Barcelona awaiting them in the last 16, PSG will need to carry this momentum into the next phase of the competition.
Brest’s European Dream Ends in Heartbreak
For Brest, this humbling defeat marks a painful end to their first-ever European campaign. The club’s unexpected third-place finish in Ligue 1 last season had been a fairy-tale achievement, but facing PSG in the play-off round proved to be a reality check.
Brest have not beaten PSG in over 40 years, and their head-to-head record against the Parisian giants remains dismal, with 19 defeats in their last 20 encounters. Despite their commendable efforts, the gulf in quality between the two sides was glaring.
Nevertheless, Brest can take pride in their journey. Reaching the Champions League knockout stages was a historic milestone for the club, and the experience gained from this campaign will undoubtedly benefit them in future European endeavors.
What’s Next?
With their place in the last 16 secured, PSG now await the draw to determine whether they will face Premier League giants Liverpool or La Liga powerhouse Barcelona. Both potential opponents present significant challenges, but PSG’s recent form suggests they are more than ready for the challenge.
Liverpool, under Jurgen Klopp, remain one of Europe’s most formidable teams, boasting a lethal attack and a resilient defense. Meanwhile, Barcelona, despite some inconsistencies, still possess world-class talent capable of troubling any opponent. A clash with either side promises to be a thrilling contest.
The draw will take place on Friday, and PSG fans will be eagerly anticipating their team’s next challenge as they aim to finally conquer Europe’s elite competition.
Conclusion
PSG’s 7-0 rout of Brest was not just a victory—it was a statement. The Parisians showcased their immense attacking depth and delivered a performance that will resonate across the continent. With momentum on their side, they will now turn their focus to their last-16 showdown, where a battle against either Liverpool or Barcelona awaits.
For Brest, the defeat was harsh but serves as a reminder of the levels required to compete at the highest stage. Their European dream may have ended, but their journey to becoming a more competitive force continues.
As PSG prepare for the next stage of their Champions League campaign, the question remains: Can they finally achieve European glory? One thing is certain—if they maintain this level of performance, they will be a formidable force for any opponent.
