Brest Triumphs Over Sturm Graz in Historic Match

Brest made history by winning their first Champions League match defeating Sturm Graz with goals from Hugo Magnetti and Abdallah Sima. Magnetti opened the scoring midway through the first half, executing a brilliant half-volley that crashed into the bottom corner. However, the Austrian visitors equalized just before halftime when Edimilson Fernandes accidentally turned the ball into his own net after a deflection from a drive into the penalty area by William Boving.

The turning point came in the second half when Sima netted his first goal for Brest in the 56th minute. He held off defender Emanuel Aiwu, skillfully turned and finished with his left foot securing the win for the Ligue 1 side on their historic night. This victory is especially significant for Brest, who only two decades ago were competing at the amateur level and have never won a major domestic trophy.

Last season, they finished third in Ligue 1 earning their first qualification for European competition. Brest currently plays their home Champions League matches at Stade du Roudourou, the home ground of local rivals Guingamp as UEFA deemed Brest’s stadium inadequate. Sima nearly added a second goal but headed wide after receiving a cross from Ludovic Ajorque.

Sturm Graz, participating in the Champions League group stage for the first time since the 2000-01 season ended the match with ten players after Dimitri Lavalee received a second yellow card in the 89th minute. This match marks a memorable milestone for Brest as they continue to carve out their place in European football.