The UEFA Champions League is getting exciting as the Round of 16 gets closer! Many matchups are already scheduled, while others are underway.
Real Madrid is confident after a recent 3-0 victory over Real Valladolid; Brest, on the other hand, is currently ranked higher in the league standings, though they accepted a 2-0 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk in their last match.
With every game critical, both teams face significant pressure. Under the current league rules, only the top 8 teams qualify directly for the Round of 16, where Real Madrid and Brest sit in 16th and 13th place, respectively, leaving neither team in a secure position. It’s a relief for both teams to have secured at least the playoffs, but the opponent is still unknown.
Thus, the January 29th match is of immense importance for both teams. Brest aims to bounce back from its recent defeat and improve its league standing. Meanwhile, Real Madrid seeks to solidify its playoff position and maintain momentum toward the May 31st final.
League Standings: After playing seven matches, Brest is in the 13th position with 13 points, and Real Madrid is in the 16th position with 12 points.
Brest is ranked higher in the standings than Real Madrid, but that could change instantly if Real Madrid wins this match! Therefore, both teams are eager to solidify their positions and advance to the next phase.
Brest vs Real Madrid Timeline (H2h)
Real Madrid, the historic club with 15 Champions League titles and the most recent one, will undeniably feel uncomfortable sitting in 16th place in the current standings.
Their opponents, Brest, while yet to clinch a Champions League trophy, are three places higher in the league table. Brest’s long-ball, counter-attacking style has proven troublesome for even the most prominent teams.
Considering recent form, neither team holds a significant advantage. Still, Real Madrid will enter the battle with the recent memory of defeating Real Valladolid 3-0, while Brest will aim to recover from the 2-0 defeat against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Here is a table summarizing their recent performance of Brest:
|
Home Team |
Score Line |
Away Team |
|
Le Harve |
0-1 |
Brest |
|
Shakhtar Donetsk |
2-0 |
Brest |
|
Rennes |
1-2 |
Brest |
|
Brest |
2-1 |
Nantes |
|
Brest |
2-1 |
Lyon |
Similarly, the last 5 match performances of Real Madrid are here as well:
|
Home Team |
Score Line |
Away Team |
|
Real Valladolid |
0-3 |
Real Madrid |
|
Real Madrid |
5-1 |
Salzburg |
|
Real Madrid |
4-1 |
Las Palmas |
|
Real Madrid |
5-2 |
Celta Vigo |
|
Real Madrid |
2-5 |
Barcelona |
Despite the poor performance against Barcelona, Real Madrid has maintained its dominance in nearly every match and increased its goal difference, which could propel it ahead.
So, will Real Madrid’s winning streak continue, or will Brest make a comeback? You’ll have to wait until January 29 to find out!
Note:
There’s not much to share since these two teams have never met before, neither in UEFA nor other leagues! So, this will be their first meeting ever!
However, we can make a prediction based on their recent form. It’s good for Real Madrid, as they have won four of their last five matches, while Brest has managed three wins in their previous five
Real Madrid Team News
Real Madrid is dealing with injury concerns of several players. Dani Carvajal, a right back, and Eder Militao, a center back, will miss the game due to ligament injuries, and Eduardo Camavinga is also out with a hamstring injury. Additionally, Vinicius is suspended for getting a Card!
Brest Team News
Injuries have become a serious concern for Brest as several players from various positions are affected.
Bradley Loco, the left back, is out with an Achilles tendon injury; Jonas Martin, a midfielder, is unavailable for muscle injury. Jordan Amavi, another left-back, and Julien Le Cardinal are experiencing hamstring injuries. Massdio Haidara, a left back, is out with a calf injury.
Unfortunately, while they are expected to recover by early February, reports indicate that Bradley Loco will not return until late February.
Real Madrid Probable Lineup
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Defenders: Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, Lucas V.
- Midfielders: Federico Valverde, Luka Modric, Jude Bellingham, Brahim Diaz, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Marco Asensio
- Forwards: Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe,
Brest Probable Lineup
- Goalkeeper: Marco Bizot
- Defenders: Abdoulaye Ndiaye, Brendan Chardonnet, Keny Lala
- Midfielders: Edimilson Fernandes, Hugo Magnetti, Mathias Pereira Lage, Mahdi Camara
- Forwards: Romain Del Castillo, Abdallah Dipo Sima, Ludovic Ajorque
Possible Tactics & Battles To Watch
Real Madrid: Under Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid likes a versatile and dynamic approach. It focuses on building up from the back with a high backline. They use their midfielders in attacking pockets and push with the speed of players like Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappé for counter-attacks.
Brest: Éric Roy’s Brest focuses on direct play and efficient use of long balls from the back, frequent crosses to capitalize on their forwards’ aerial prowess, applying pressure on the opposition to force mistakes, and maintaining a solid defensive structure in formations such as 4-4-2.However, they may use 4-2-3-1 too.
– Kylian Mbappé vs. Brendan Chardonnet: Brendan Chardonnet will face the challenge of managing Mbappé’s speed and intense goal-scoring attempts. His success may define Brest’s control in the defensive area.
– Luka Modrić vs. Edimilson Fernandes: Luka Modrić, as a defensive midfielder, will create attacks, and there will be a clash with Fernandes. This is supposed to entertain the audience.
Éder Militão vs. Romain Del Castillo: Del Castillo’s attack threatens the opponent, whereas Éder Militão protests with defensive skill. Éder Militão’s effective tackles and concentration may help Real Madrid withstand Brest’s sudden, intense counterattacks.
Where to Watch Brest vs Real Madrid Match
You can catch this exciting fixture on various sports channels and streaming platforms. Here’s a shortlist of options:
◦ ESPN
◦ beIN Sports
◦ Sky Sports
◦ DAZN
◦ Discovery+ROI
Stay tuned for more updates on the match details as we approach the big day!
