Paris St-Germain (PSG) delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Stade Brestois in their Champions League knockout phase play-off on Tuesday night, securing a strong advantage ahead of the return leg. Forward Ousmane Dembélé stole the show with a brace, continuing his incredible goal-scoring run, while Vitinha added another from the penalty spot.
The match, played at Stade Francis-Le Blé, was only the second time two French teams had met in Champions League history. Despite Brest creating a few dangerous chances, PSG’s clinical finishing and defensive solidity proved too much for the hosts, leaving them with a daunting task ahead of the second leg in Paris on February 19.
Vitinha’s Penalty Sets PSG on the Path to Victory
PSG took the lead in the 21st minute when Vitinha calmly slotted home a penalty after Brest’s Pierre Lees-Melou handled the ball inside the box. The decision, confirmed after a VAR review, gave PSG an early advantage and forced Brest to chase the game.
Brest responded with determination, and they nearly equalized in the 32nd minute when Abdallah Sima’s header rattled the post. The near-miss energized the home crowd, but PSG’s well-organized defense held firm, preventing Brest from capitalizing on their attacking efforts.
As the first half progressed, PSG continued to dominate possession and dictate the tempo. Their patience paid off just before the halftime whistle when Ousmane Dembélé produced a moment of brilliance to double their lead.
Dembélé Extends PSG’s Lead with Stunning Finish
In the final minute of the first half, Dembélé showcased his attacking prowess by cutting inside from the right wing and firing a low shot past Brest goalkeeper Marco Bizot at the near post. The goal marked the eighth consecutive game in which Dembélé had scored, cementing his status as PSG’s most in-form player.
Dembélé’s movement and sharp finishing have been crucial for PSG, especially following the departure of Kylian Mbappé. With the French international hitting top form, PSG appears well-equipped to mount a serious challenge in the latter stages of the tournament.
Brest came out aggressively in the second half, hoping to pull a goal back, and they thought they had succeeded when PSG’s Desire Doue found the net. However, after a lengthy VAR check, the goal was ruled out for offside, extinguishing Brest’s hopes of a comeback.
Dembélé Secures Brace as PSG Tightens Grip on Tie
The night belonged to Dembélé, and he put the result beyond doubt in the 66th minute with his second goal of the match. A loose ball inside the penalty area fell to the 27-year-old, and he made no mistake, drilling a powerful shot past Bizot to make it 3-0.
With that goal, Dembélé took his tally to 18 goals in his last 11 appearances across all competitions, further underlining his importance to PSG’s attacking setup. He has now become one of the most lethal forwards in European football, and his performances are drawing comparisons to the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
PSG manager Luis Enrique was full of praise for his star forward, stating, “Dembélé was already good in 2024, but in 2025, he is even better. He is playing with confidence, and his finishing is world-class.”
PSG on the Verge of Last 16, Brest Face Uphill Battle
With this result, PSG takes a significant advantage into the second leg at Parc des Princes on February 19. The Parisians remain unbeaten in their last 31 meetings with Brest, with the latter’s last victory over PSG dating back to 1985.
Brest, making their Champions League debut this season, now faces an almost insurmountable challenge. They will need to produce a historic performance in Paris to overturn the deficit and progress to the next round.
Meanwhile, PSG will be strong favorites to advance and could potentially face either Liverpool or Dembélé’s former club, Barcelona, in the last 16. Having navigated a tough group stage with crucial wins over Manchester City and Stuttgart, PSG appears determined to finally capture the elusive Champions League title.
With Dembélé in the form of his life, PSG fans will believe that this could finally be their year.
