The Matchday 8 clash in the 2024/25 Champions League group stage between Brest (France) and Real Madrid (Spain) will take place on January 29 at the Stade du Roudourou in Guingamp. Brest vs. Real Madrid: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Brest
The French side lost 0-2 to Shakhtar Donetsk in the previous round. Nevertheless, the club has secured a spot in the Champions League playoffs. Eric Roy's team is in 13th place, with the same number of points as Bayer, who are in eighth (13). To advance directly to the last 16, Brest needs to significantly improve their goal difference, which means they must defeat Madrid by a large margin and hope for favorable results from their competitors.
Midfielder Jonas Martin and defenders Jordan Amavi, Massadio Haidara, and Bradley Locko are in the club's injury list.
- No more than three goals have been scored in 6 of Brest's last 7 Champions League games.
- The club has yet to lose in this tournament at home (2 wins and 1 draw).
- The French side has not won the second half in their last five matches in this European competition (4 draws and 1 loss).
Predicted lineup for Brest (4-4-2)
Marco Bizot – Edimilson Fernandes, Abdoulaye Ndiaye, Brendan Chardonnet, Kenny Lala – Mathias Pereira Lage, Mahdi Camara, Kamory Doumbia, Hugo Magnetti – Abdallah Sima, Ludovic Ajorque.
Real Madrid
The Spanish side won their last two Champions League group stage matches. Madrid first defeated Atalanta away (3-2) and then thrashed Salzburg at home (5-1). Carlo Ancelotti's team has secured a spot in the tournament playoffs. They are in 16th place, with 12 points, and have a slim chance of finishing in the top 8 in the group stage.
Forward Vinicius Junior will miss the match due to an accumulation of yellow cards. Midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and defenders Jesus Vallejo, Dani Carvajal, and Eder Militao will not play due to injuries.
- Both teams have scored in regular time in 10 of Real's last 13 matches in this tournament.
- Madrid has not lost in 90 minutes in 7 of their last 9 away games in the Champions League (5 wins and 2 draws).
- At least two goals have been scored in the second half in 8 of the Spaniards' last 10 matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)
Thibaut Courtois – Ferland Mendy, Raul Asencio, Fran Garcia, Antonio Rudiger – Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos – Endrick Felipe, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes – Kylian Mbappe.
Referee
Espen Eskas (Norway)
Matches – 7 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 31;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.4;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 14%.
Brest vs. Real Madrid: Match Prediction
The French team can be considered lucky in this season's Champions League. They have had a favorable schedule in the group stage, facing only two strong opponents: Barcelona (0-3) and Bayer (1-1). In the other matches, they played against teams from weaker leagues, which Brest took full advantage of. In my opinion, the club's high position in the standings is somewhat accidental, as demonstrated in the last round when they were clearly defeated by Shakhtar Donetsk.
Brest is only mid-table in their domestic league. It is unlikely that the team will repeat last season's success. Meanwhile, Madrid is in good form, having lost only one of their last 12 official matches. I believe the Spanish side will easily handle the hosts in the upcoming match, especially since they still have a slim chance of qualifying directly for the Champions League round of 16.
My prediction: Real Madrid with a handicap (-1)
