Shakhtar dominates Brest: a complicated evening for the Finisterians

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By: Manu Tournoux

Brest lost 2-0 against Shakhtar in Gelsenkirchen. A disappointing performance, but without major impact on their qualification for the play-offs.

Brest lost 2-0 against Shakhtar Donetsk this Wednesday evening in Gelsenkirchen, in a meeting where the Finisterians, so attractive when they entered the competition, never seemed capable of competing. The Ukrainians, logically victorious, dominated from start to finish, inflicting their second defeat on Brest in this Champions League.

A one-sided first half

Shakhtar immediately took control of the match, taking advantage of Brest's approximations. In the 18th minute, a fatal error from Brendan Chardonnet in midfield allowed Brazilian Kevin to rush alone to open the scoring. Far from stopping there, the Ukrainians maintained their pressure. In the 37th minute, Marco Bizot, although solid this season, was guilty of a foul in his area. Georgi Sudakov did not tremble to convert the penalty and double the lead.

With an off-target shot from Eguinaldo in the 32nd minute, Shakhtar could have killed off the match before the break. On the Brest side, only one real attempt to report: a long-range strike from Hugo Magnetti in the 40th minute, far from worrying Dmitro Ryznik.

Shakhtar defeated Brest.

Brest without solutions

In the second half, Éric Roy's men did not show any real improvement. Like their performance, they struggled to appear dangerous, only obtaining their only clear opportunity in the 79th minute, on a free kick from Pereira Lage well repelled by Ryznik. A perfect illustration of Brest's offensive difficulties.

A defeat without major consequences

If this setback deprives Brest of almost any chance of directly reaching the round of 16, it does not call into question their qualification for the play-offs. Thanks to their excellent start in this competition, the Finisterians remain in the race to continue their European adventure.

With an upcoming trip to Le Havre in the championship and a gala reception against Real Madrid at the Roudourou stadium, Brest will have to quickly turn the page on this misstep. For now, supporters can console themselves: their team has already exceeded all expectations in this Champions League.