Dembele Strikes Twice as PSG Dominates Brest in First Leg Clash

Paris Saint-Germain holds the upper hand in their UEFA Champions League knockout round play-off after extending their impressive unbeaten streak to 17 matches with a 3-0 victory over Brest.

This first leg of the tie was particularly significant, marking the first all-French Champions League knockout encounter since Lyon faced Bordeaux in the 2009/10 season.

While both teams are well-acquainted with each other as Ligue 1 rivals, the opening moments of the match suggested a cautious approach as they sized each other up.

Yet, the deadlock was almost broken in a rather unusual manner when a clearance attempt by Gianluigi Donnarumma struck Ludovic Ajorque’s head and narrowly missed the goal, going just wide.

PSG capitalised on their fortune as they were awarded a penalty when Ousmane Dembele’s attempt was blocked by Pierre Lees-Melou’s hand, practically on the goal line.

Vitinha confidently stepped up to take the penalty, sending the ball into the corner to give Les Parisiens the lead.

This was a crucial setback for Brest, who are embarking on their first European campaign; however, they nearly equalised before half-time when Abdallah Sima soared highest in the box, only to see his header bounce off the post.

In keeping with his current form, it wouldn’t be a PSG match without Dembele making his mark. Just before the interval, he drove down the right, cut inside, and struck a powerful left-footed shot past the near post for a goal.

 Brest’s main focus now shifted to staying in the tie, and they nearly found themselves back in contention just five minutes into the second half when Desire Doue found the net, only for the goal to be ruled offside.

Eventually, PSG sealed their third goal with Dembele once again playing a key role. He reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box, converting it to effectively end the contest—and most likely the tie.

 Brest endeavoured to salvage a consolation goal in the dying moments to reignite their hopes in the tie, but their efforts were in vain. They now find themselves on the verge of elimination, while PSG look set for yet another appearance in the Champions League’s last 16, extending their streak to 13 seasons.