This Sunday, September 13, Paris Saint-Germain (13th) face Brest (7th) at the Stade Francis Le-Blé (kick-off at 8:45 PM, CET) in Matchday 4 of the 2026-2027 Ligue 1 season. As before every match, here is a look at the Parisians’ opponents.
Brest’s Situation –
After a nine-year absence, Stade Brestois returned to Ligue 1 in the summer of 2019. They have managed to stay up since then, though not without facing some difficult spells. There was an attempt with coach Michel Der Zakarian, but it didn’t work out, and he was replaced by Eric Roy in January 2023.
Roy, who had spent several years working as a pundit, succeeded in keeping the team in the top flight and retaining his own position. The 2023-2024 season was one of triumph and euphoria; the team contended for the top spots throughout the year, ultimately finishing third and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in their history.
However, following that up proved difficult. There was immense joy in reaching the Champions League play-offs after a remarkable run, though PSG ultimately put an end to that journey. In Ligue 1, Brest finished in 9th place—a respectable result for the club, but less exciting than European qualification.
Last season, top-flight survival was secured relatively comfortably, despite some rather disappointing results in the final weeks. Above all, the entire club and the French football community were shaken by the death of coach Eric Roy early in the summer due to cancer—a condition he had kept as private as possible. Julien Lachuer, previously the assistant coach, took up the mantle from “The King,” and he is doing well so far, having recorded two draws and one win.
The 2026 summer transfer window –
Source: Transfermarkt.
Departures:
Arrivals:
Key statistics –
This season, Brest ranks among the top three attacks in Ligue 1 with 6 goals scored (the leader, Strasbourg, has 8, while the bottom side, Nice, has 1), and among the top five defenses with 5 goals conceded (the leader, Monaco, has conceded 1, while the bottom side, Auxerre, has conceded 11).
Brest’s top scorer is Kamory Doumbia (23-year-old midfielder); with 4 goals, he sits at the top of the league standings. Hugo Magnetti (28-year-old midfielder) is the club’s top assist provider with 1 assist, placing him among the top seven in Ligue 1 (the leaders have 2 assists).
Brest’s last 5 matches –
Only Brest’s possession is listed, and Brest’s shots are shown first (where data is available).
08/08/2026 (Friendly) – Brest vs. Venezia: 2-2. Formation: 4-2-3-1.
16/08/2026 (Friendly) – Nottingham Forest vs. Brest: 2-0. Formation: 4-2-3-1.
22/08/2026 (Ligue 1) – Le Mans vs. Brest: 2-2. Formation: 4-2-3-1. 50% possession. 17 shots (8 on target) vs. 8 shots (5 on target).
29/08/2026 (Ligue 1) – Brest vs. Toulouse: 2-2. Formation: 4-2-3-1. 50% possession. 23 shots (7 on target) vs. 7 shots (3 on target).
05/09/2026 (Ligue 1) – Le Havre (down to 10 men in stoppage time of the first half, 0-1) vs. Brest: 1-2. Played in a 4-1-4-1 formation. 45% possession. 17 shots (8 on target) vs. 15 shots (4 on target).
The squad:
Out – Baldé, Cagnon, Chardonnet, Diambou, Diop, Edjouma, Sam (injury).
Probable lineup (4-2-3-1):
Ajorque
Baldé – Doumbia – Versini
Magnetti – Chotard
Locko – Lloris – Le Guene – Lala
Selvik
Brest’s playing style.
Lachuer has maintained continuity from last season—a logical approach given the largely unchanged squad—prioritizing solid defense before looking to strike with quick attacks. This often involves intense pressing that can be difficult to play out of at times.
They also employ a fast-paced game that can be devastating. The goal isn’t to hold onto possession for long periods, but the team knows how to push high up the pitch—particularly through Ajorque, who drops deep effectively or acts as a target man for long balls. The key will be maintaining tempo and intensity to avoid falling into a trap against a team motivated to turn things around during this away trip. However, we have seen that Brest is also prone to cracking under pressure right now.
