UCL Preview: Can Brest dream against Leverkusen?
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Brest gear up for their toughest test yet in the champions League: German champions Bayer LEverkusen.
Whilst Les Pirates are themselves still seemingly invincible in the Champions League, they will face a resolute Bayer Leverkusen side on Wednesday evening who had an invincible season in the Bundesliga last season. Led by former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, the Germans will stand clear as the toughest test yet for Éric Roy's men at Stade Roudourou.
Roy's Boys won their first two outings in their maiden European campaign at home against Sturm Graz (2-1) and away to RB Salzburg (0-4). Now, after facing two Austrian opponents, they now square up to the German juggernauts of Bayer Leverkusen.
Pierre Lees-Melou Champions League debut?
On Tuesday morning Roy's men completed their final training session ahead of facing the Bundesliga champions. Julien Le Cardinal will likely miss the match after suffering an adductor injury during Les Pirates' previous Ligue 1 match against Stade Rennais. Otherwise, Roy seemingly has the best of his squad to choose from, especially following a return to action for last season's talisman Pierre Lees-Melou.
"It's difficult for him to play a full match because we mustn't forget that it's been a long time since he played," Roy spoke about Lees-Melou last Saturday. "He's going to have to gradually build up his strength, but we also have to protect him because when you haven't played for a long time, you know you're exposed to injuries."
"Our next opponents are going to be of a higher level," Roy explained post-match following a Breton derby draw against Rennes (1-1). "We've been interesting in terms of substance recently, but we're going to have to keep improving."
Les Ti'zefs will have to be at the top of their game if they want to keep pushing at the top of the Champions League table...
Stade Brestois Predicted XI: Bizot - Lala, Le Cardinal, Coulibaly, Haidara - Lees Melou, Magnetti (c), Camara - Del Castillo, Ajorque, Sima.
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