Stade Brestois faces a daunting challenge against PSG in the Champions League knockout stage, with their last victory over the Parisians occurring 40 years ago. Coach Éric Roy emphasizes the difficulty of defeating PSG, especially in a two-leg format. Key to Brest’s defense is captain Brendan Chardonnet, who has excelled this season with impressive statistics. As he turns 30, Chardonnet also contributes offensively with goals and assists, raising hopes for an upset in the upcoming match.
The Challenge Ahead for Stade Brestois Against PSG
What could be a more formidable challenge than scaling a mountain? This analogy resonates as Stade Brestois gears up to face Paris Saint-Germain in the knockout stage of the Champions League, akin to the Round of 16. The first leg of this highly anticipated matchup is set for Tuesday, February 11 at 6:45 PM, broadcast live on TF1info from the Roudourou stadium. On paper, the odds seem stacked against the Breton club, which has not overcome PSG in 40 years, their last victory dating back to a 3-1 win in January 1985. Moreover, they have suffered 17 defeats in their last 18 encounters. Coach Éric Roy, expressing a realistic outlook on RMC radio, stated, “We have launched the impossible mission operation. Beating PSG is already difficult, but in a single match, it’s always possible. In a double confrontation, it’s even more complicated.”
Brendan Chardonnet: The Key to Brestois’ Defense
Despite the daunting challenge, the ‘Ti Zefs’ harbor hopes of achieving an upset, particularly given their recent performances against the Parisians, which, while not always reflected in the scoreline, have showcased their potential. A crucial aspect of their strategy will be to withstand PSG’s relentless attack, which makes the role of tireless captain Brendan Chardonnet vital. Having logged over 2,500 minutes this season in defense, Chardonnet’s experience and tenacity are invaluable.
Since taking over as coach, Éric Roy has seen Chardonnet evolve into a standout player. Making his first-team debut at 26 in the 2020-21 season, he has become a dominant force in the defensive lineup. His unique style, characterized by long clearances and robust physical presence, sets him apart, allowing him to manage his area with authority. His strengths—physical impact, anticipation, and relentless effort—have established him as one of France’s most dependable defenders.
According to the analytics platform FBref, Chardonnet excels in aerial duels, averaging 2.85 wins every 90 minutes, outperforming 83% of his positional peers. He also displays remarkable aggression in ground play, with 1.25 successful tackles per 90 minutes, surpassing 86% of players in his role. His impressive statistics extend to interceptions, blocked passes, and maintaining possession, as he rarely loses the ball. Haris Belkebla, a midfielder who played alongside Chardonnet in Angers, highlighted his dedication, noting, “He is someone who never stops working, who does extra sessions. Sometimes, even on rest days, he would come back in the afternoon. The work has finally paid off.”
In his inaugural season on the continental stage, Chardonnet has proven his mettle at the highest level. After eight matches in the Champions League, he ranks among the top 10 in key defensive metrics: 7th in recoveries with 55, 2nd in successful tackles at 16, and 6th in clearances with 42, even missing the match against Salzburg (4-0). His exceptional performance against Sparta Prague, where he recorded 11 clearances, won 10 out of 11 duels, and executed 3 successful tackles, remains a highlight.
As he recently celebrated his 30th birthday, Chardonnet is also making strides in the attacking third, having netted two goals and provided an assist this season—an impressive tally for a defender. Fans of Stade Brestois are hopeful he will add to that scoreline this Tuesday as they face off against PSG.