UCL Recap: Brest Stumble in Loss to Shakhtar Donetsk

Stade Brestois have been a surprise story in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League this season, but Éric Roy and his team stumbled on Matchday 7 with a 2-0 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday night at VELTINS-Arena.

In the first half, Shakhtar Donetsk recorded eight total shots while Brest registered four, but it would be the home side that found the back of the net twice. Kevin scored in the 18th minute off a right-footed shot from the center of the box following a fast break.

The Ukrainian club extended their lead in the 37th minute after a penalty was awarded following the foul by Marco Bizot on Irakli Azarovi in the penalty area. Heorhiy Sudakov stepped into the box and converted the shot as the Ligue 1 McDonald's club found themselves in a 2-0 hole.

In the second half, Brest had six total shots, but the French side couldn't find the back of the net. Shakhtar Donetsk scored a third goal in the final minutes of the contest, but after a VAR review, it was disallowed, keeping the final scoreline at 2-0.

After the loss, Roy addressed the press and pointed out that at this level, Brest can't afford to make mistakes against Champions League opponents.

"This match was great to play, without any pressure. We've already achieved our goal in the competition. But in the first half, we didn't recognize Stade Brestois, and we paid for our mistakes. We could have done better, especially with goals that were easily avoidable. At the highest level, though, you can't afford those mistakes."

The result isn't ideal for Brest (11th place, 13 points) as a win would have moved them into the top eight. The Ligue 1 McDonald's club now needs a win over Real Madrid and favorable results to improve their chances of securing automatic qualification for the Champions League Round of 16 on the final matchday.

The Stat: Shakhtar Donetsk enjoy playing French clubs

Shakhtar Donetsk have lost just once in its last 11 home matches against French teams in European competitions, with five wins and five draws. The only defeat came against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Sept. 30, 2015, with a 3-0 scoreline.

Photo credit: Lars Baron/Getty Images

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