PLAYER RATINGS | Sparta Prague 1-2 Brest: Pirates edge closer to Champions League knockout phase

UEFA Champions League, Matchday 4, 06/11/24

Brest continue to impress in the Champions League in sealing another deserved away win. With 10 points out of a possible 12, the Ligue 1 side is pratically certain to qualify, at least, for the knock-out playoffs.

The Match

On the back of their gutsy home draw against Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, Eric Roy’s Pirates made a decent start against the Czechs. Ludovic Ajorque went close to punish a loose backpass from Elias Cubbaut, but he could only clatter onto Sparta goalie Peter Vindahl. Brest were firmly on top of proceedings but all too wasteful. Kamory Doumbia missed a gilt-edged chance in misfiring only yards from goal.

The Pirates would be eventually rewarded minutes before halftime. Doumbia’s corner kick was headed away by Sparta skipper Filip Panak for Edimilson Fernandes to find the back of the net with a powerful swirling volley. Brest went into halftime with a deserved lead, displaying maturity and composure one could not expect from a team not only discovering the Champions League, but making their full European debut altogether.

Brest picked up where they left off. Pierre Lees-Melou went close to doubling his Champions League account, but his curling effort flashed just wide. Sparta marginally grew into the game but their rare incursions in Brest’s penalty box were expertly dealt with with Brendan Chardonnet and Soumaïla Coulibaly, both flawless.

The game remained very much on because Brest kept on spurning chances to double their lead – Brest midfielder Mahdi Camara notably squandered two clear-cut opportunities – until the 80th minute. Vindahl’s poor clearance was recovered by Ajorque, whose cross towards Fernandes was deflected in by Kaan Kairinen in his own goal.

Brest were cruising but eventually conceded with Victor Olatunji finding Marco Bizot’s top corner deep in injury time. Pirates held on to their lead and a third vital win, extending their unbeaten run in the Champions League.

Brest players ratings

Marco Bizot, 6

Kenny Lala, 6

Brendan Chardonnet, 7

Leading by example, the skipper delivered the basis for Brest’s success with a near-perfect defensive display. The centre-back won all his 11 duels bar one and should have deserved to come away with a clean sheet.

Soumaïla Coulibaly, 7

Massadio Haïdara, 6

Pierre Lees-Melou, 6

Mahdi Camara, 6

Edimilson Fernandes, 7

The Switzerland international scored an own goal in Brest’s debut win in the Champions League against Sturm Graz. This time, he made no mistake in rifling home a perfect right-footed volley and was also involved in Brest’s second of the night, which proved the decisive strike.

Kamory Doumbia, 6

Ludovic Ajorque, 7

Harshly booked for a suspected dive in Sparta’s penalty box, Brest’s target man was a menace throughout the game for Sparta defenders, who all struggled to match his physicality and tireless press.

Mama Baldé, 4

GFFN | Bastien Cheval