'We could compete and get results.' Éric Roy says as Brest take on Leverkusen.

2024-10-17

In a fascinating UEFA Champions League encounter, debutants Stade Brestois aim to extend their unbeaten run against seasoned competitors Bayer Leverkusen, as they seek a groundbreaking third consecutive victory on the European stage.

Brest

UCL debutants Brest find themselves surprisingly in 2nd place on the league phase table of the revamped competition, following a 4-0 win over RB Salzburg on Matchday 2. This victory makes the French outfit one of only seven sides to win both opening games of the UEFA Champions League this season.

Before this commanding win, Brest managed a 2-1 victory against a 10-man Sturm Graz. They approach Wednesday’s UCL clash with Bayer Leverkusen after a 1-1 league draw with Rennes, hoping to extend their three-match unbeaten run across all competitions [WLWWD].

This will mark Brest's first encounter with Leverkusen and represents a major test in their fledgling UCL journey. While Brest faces an unfamiliar opponent, Leverkusen’s form is well recognized, yet Brest has the potential to become the first French side to win their first three games in the European Cup/UEFA Champions League.

Coach Éric Roy stated ahead of the game, "I was convinced that based on the first two games we had prepared, if we played at our regular level, we could compete and get results." He added, "To imagine we’d get six points though. But we had the desire to do it. We know that some of the next few games will be tough. However, I don’t approach these games any differently. Quite the opposite."

Éric Roy might opt for a 4-3-3 formation, featuring Ludovic Ajorque at the centre of the attack, with Romain Del Castillo and Pereira Lage on the flanks.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Having alternated between a win and a draw in the last five games across all competitions (WDWDW), Bayer Leverkusen will make the trip to France after a 2-1 win over Frankfurt.

The current Bundesliga champions, who are in 4th place, also have six points following back-to-back victories, the most recent being a hard-fought 1-0 win over AC Milan.

Climbing further up the table to become one of the top eight sides and secure an automatic place in the knockout phase of the competition remains the goal for Xabi Alonso’s men.

Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen have kept a clean sheet in each of their last three matches in the competition, and they could achieve their longest-ever run of clean sheets if they manage another shutout here.

“It’s going to be a nice game, though, and I hope we can bring home all three points,” said Amine Adli.

A 3-4-2-1 formation, featuring Victor Boniface, who was involved in a car accident at the weekend, is expected.