Stade Brestois has made an impressive mark in European football, notably securing a playoff spot for the Champions League round of 16. Under the leadership of captain Brendan Chardonnet and coach Éric Roy, the team has thrived despite challenges. Key figures like goalkeeper Marco Bizot and midfielders Hugo Magnetti and Pierre Lees-Melou have been instrumental in their success. With strong management and strategic recruitment, Brestois continues to exceed expectations in Ligue 1 and European competition.
The Unstoppable Journey of Stade Brestois in Europe
Heroic, irresistible, and undeniable—there are countless adjectives to describe the remarkable European journey undertaken by Stade Brestois. In Gelsenkirchen, Germany, they faced Shakhtar Donetsk, and with their playoff spot already secured, a victory could bring them tantalizingly close to direct qualification for the Champions League round of 16. With an impressive tally of 13 points from six matches, Éric Roy’s squad has emerged as a standout surprise in this season’s competition.
Brendan Chardonnet: The Fearless Captain
Brendan Chardonnet wears the captain’s armband with pride and authority. Since joining the club in 2016, he has witnessed the full spectrum of experiences with Stade Brestois. His solid defensive skills, aerial prowess, and calm demeanor make him a pillar of support for his teammates during challenging times. Despite being a newcomer to European competition, Chardonnet has quickly acclimated to the high-pressure environment, proving himself an invaluable asset in the Champions League.
Behind the Scenes: Denis Le Saint and Grégory Lorenzi
While they may not be in the spotlight during matches, Denis Le Saint and Grégory Lorenzi play crucial roles behind the scenes. When Le Saint took over as president in 2016, Stade Brestois was still in Ligue 2. Just two years later, he celebrated a significant milestone as the team returned to the top flight, continuing to hold its place in Ligue 1 and achieving a historic third-place finish in the 2023/2024 season, which marked their first-ever Champions League qualification.
With a budget of 45 million euros, ranked 14th in Ligue 1, Brest has shown exceptional acumen in recruitment to build a competitive squad capable of European success. Sporting director Grégory Lorenzi has spearheaded this initiative, notably securing the loan of top scorer Abdallah Sima, who has netted three goals in the competition. Despite interest from foreign clubs and top French teams, Lorenzi made the commendable decision to remain in Brittany.
Éric Roy: The Visionary Leader
After an eleven-year hiatus since his departure from OGC Nice, Éric Roy joined Stade Brestois in January 2023, a choice initially met with skepticism from fans. However, he quickly silenced critics by leading the team to safety in Ligue 1 and achieving an unprecedented third-place finish in the 2023-2024 season, securing the club’s first Champions League appearance. As challenges mount this season due to injuries and a packed schedule, Roy adeptly manages his squad to keep them competitive in the Champions League while ensuring their survival in Ligue 1 and progressing in the Coupe de France. With his contract set to expire in June, discussions regarding an extension are underway as interest from abroad grows.
Marco Bizot: The Last Line of Defense
When the pressure mounts and the Bretons face teams seasoned in European competition, they can count on their stalwart goalkeeper, Marco Bizot. Already a standout in Ligue 1, he has proven essential to the team’s success in the Champions League. With prior experience from his time at AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League, Bizot has delivered exceptional performances against teams like Salzburg and PSV, showcasing his skill through a series of crucial saves that keep the Pirates in contention.
Key Players: Hugo Magnetti and Pierre Lees-Melou
In the midfield alongside Mahdi Camara and Edimilson Fernandes, Hugo Magnetti has become a cornerstone of the team. Since joining in 2018, the 26-year-old Marseille native has made history as the club’s first goalscorer in the Champions League, thanks to a stunning goal against Sturm Graz.
Meanwhile, Pierre Lees-Melou, following a lengthy injury recovery, made his European debut with a breathtaking volley against Leverkusen, earning a crucial point against the reigning German champions. His return has been pivotal in this historic season for the Pirates, highlighting the resilience and talent within Stade Brestois.