Paris tame Brest 3-0 in the first leg of the Champions League playoff

PSG travelled to the Stade Roudourou to face fellow French club Stade Brestois for the first leg of the Champions League playoff with both team clashing for a spot in the round of 16 of the competition.

For this game, Luis Enrique chose to start with Barcola, Doué and Ousmane Dembélé in his offensive trio, whilst Kvaratskhelia starts the game on the bench. Hakimi makes his return in the starting line-up after missing their last game and club captain Marquinhos will feature in his 100th Champions League game for Paris, making him the most capped player in the competition in the history of the club.

Paris Saint-Germain's starting XI:Donnarumma; Marquinhos (cap.), Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Achraf Hakimi; Fabian Ruiz, Joao Neves, Vitinha; Doué, Dembélé, Barcola.

Stade Brestois starting XI:Bizot; Lala, Chardonnet, Coulibaly, Haidara; Faivre, Lee-Melou, Magnetti, Camara; Sima, Ajorque.

Brest vs PSG : Paris tame Brest 3-0 in the first leg of the Champions League playoff

The first 15 minutes of the game saw Paris colliding against a well-organised Brest side that opted to sit deep, waiting for an opportunity to counter. However, a handball from Lee-Melou in his box gave to Vitinha the chance to open the score from the spot. An opportunity that the Portuguese did not miss as he fired his team ahead in this game (21').

This goal opened more space on the pitch as the hosts tried to comeback into this game, which gave Paris more ammunition to score a second goal. Brest came close to level the score but Sima's header hit the post keeping Les Rouges et Bleus in the lead. The end of the half saw the Stade Brestois in complete control of the game, creating danger with Paris now completely on the back foot.

However, on a well-led counterattack, Ousmane Dembélé scored a great goal to give a two-goal lead to Paris. Both teams went into the half-time break with Paris ahead by two goals, while Brest remained dangerous and came close to equalise twice.

The second half started as the first one ended, with Brest creating many chances, but Donnarumma proved himself to be irreplaceable for Paris with his many saves to prevent the hosts from scoring. Ousmane Dembélé scored Paris' third goal of the night, a decisive blow to the hosts (66'). Luis Enrique's men proved to be ruthless in front of the goal and secured an important victory against a tough opponent.

Up next, Paris will face Toulouse on Saturday before playing the second leg of the playoff against Brest on Wednesday.