Champions League Preview: Luis Enrique wary of Brest 'danger'

Guingamp's Stade Roudourou will be the stage for an all-French clash in the UEFA Champions League as Stade Brestois and Paris Saint-Germain meet in the first of two ties to decide their progression in the tournament. Regular foes domestically in Ligue 1 McDonald's, Les Pirates and Les Parisiens face off in the second of three match-ups just in the month of February.

In the group phase of the competition, both sides took 13 points, but PSG managed to head into the seeded play-off positions due to their goal-difference. Stade Brestois's stunning start to life among the European elite ensured them a spot in the play-offs - but they will have to navigate a tricky tie against opposition that have already got the better of them multiple times this season already.

Watch: PSG beat brest in Ligue 1 Mcdonalds (2-5)

No French side has progressed to the knockout rounds of European competition in their inaugural campaign since OGC Nice in the 1956-1957 season. But Éric Roy's men will be relishing the chance to make history, especially after having picked up their form since the last time they played PSG in the league at home (2-5). Les Pirates have qualified for the quarter finals of the Coupe de France with a win against Le Havre, before goals from Ludovic Ajorque and Pierre Lees-Melou secured victory against Nantes last Friday night.

PSG have also had a glow-up both domestically and in Europe since they turned over Manchester City at the Parc des Princes. They dominated AS Monaco last weekend (4-1) to keep their lightning pace at the top of the Ligue 1 McDonald's table.

Luis Enrique aware of Brestois danger

"They were one of the best teams in France last season. The reward was to play in the Champions League and they qualified for the Champions League and put in some impressive performances," said PSG manager Luis Enrique in his pre-match press conference. "They're a competitive team, against the big European teams, we have to congratulate them."

"We're aware that it's a different kind of double-header because two French clubs are playing each other and one of them will qualify. We're favourites but football is full of surprises. Football doesn't necessarily reward the team that plays best. Brest can score goals for us and we want to play as well as we can and prepare as well as we can."

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