The Matchday 5 clash in the 2024/25 Champions League group stage between Barcelona (Spain) and Brest (France) will take place on November 26 at the Luis Companys Olympic Stadium. Barcelona vs. Brest: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Predicted lineups for Barcelona vs. Brest
Barcelona (4-3-3): Iñaki Peña – Alejandro Balde, Jules Koundé, Iñigo Martínez, Pau Cubarsi – Pablo Torre, Pedri, Marc Casado – Lamine Yamal, Raphinha Dias, Robert Lewandowski.
Brest (4-3-3): Marco Bizot – Kenny Lala, Brendan Chardonnet, Soumaila Coulibaly, Massadio Haïdara – Mahdi Camara, Hugo Magnetti, Romain Faivre – Abdallah Sima, Ludovic Ajorque, Romain Del Castillo.
Barcelona
After an unexpected 1-2 defeat to Monaco in the first round, the Catalans have secured three consecutive wins in the Champions League, all with significant margins. At home, Hans Flick's side thrashed Young Boys (5-0) and Bayern Munich (4-1), and then won away against Red Star Belgrade (5-2). This performance has lifted them to sixth place in the standings. With 15 goals scored, Barcelona is the highest-scoring team in the Champions League group stage.
Due to injuries, the following players are unavailable: goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, forward Ansu Fati, defenders Ronald Araújo and Andreas Christensen, midfielder Marc Bernal.
- At least three goals have been scored in Barcelona's last seven matches in this tournament.
- Both teams have scored in 9 of Barcelona's last 10 Champions League matches.
- Two or more goals have been scored in the first half of Barcelona's last five Champions League games.
Brest
The French side is sitting in fourth place in the Champions League group stage standings. Eric Roy's team thrashed Salzburg (4-0), defeated Sturm Graz and Sparta Prague 2-1, and drew 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen. Brest is one of six clubs yet to lose after four rounds. Notably, they have conceded only three goals, with only six teams having better defensive records.
- Brest's uncompromising away streak in the Champions League and Ligue 1 stands at 13 matches (7 wins, 6 losses).
- At least three goals have been scored in Brest's last six away matches in the Champions League and Ligue 1.
- A draw has occurred in the second half of Brest's last six official matches.
Barcelona vs. Brest: Match Prediction
I believe that Brest's unbeaten run in their debut Champions League season is about to end. They are finally facing a top-tier opponent. Previously, Eric Roy's side had three matches against weaker teams, and they played Bayer Leverkusen at home. It's important to note that despite their success in European competition, Brest has struggled to juggle two tournaments, which has affected their Ligue 1 results, where they are in the bottom half of the standings.
The Spaniards are confidently leading in the league. Although they have suffered defeats in the domestic league, the Catalans have managed to pull away from Real Madrid, frequently winning in both the Champions League and La Liga. Notably, Barcelona has been formidable at home in this tournament, winning six of their last seven matches, losing only once to PSG in the quarter-finals last season. In this series, they have scored at least two goals in six matches. Additionally, Barcelona has not dropped points at home in the current La Liga season, securing five wins with an aggregate score of 18-3.
My prediction: Barcelona with a handicap (-2)