Real Madrid Faces Brest in Champions League Showdown

BREST, France — Real Madrid will face Stade Brestois in a crucial UEFA Champions League match on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the Roudourou Stadium. The Spanish giants, led by captain Luka Modric, will feature three French players in their starting lineup: Ferland Mendy, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Kylian Mbappé.

The match, set to kick off at 9 p.m. local time, comes as Brest has already secured a spot in the Champions League playoffs. The French club, currently 13th in Ligue 1, has defied expectations this season, earning €27.7 million in prize money so far. A victory against Real Madrid could push their earnings past €34 million, a significant boost for a team with a modest €48 million budget last season.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, will be without Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr., who is suspended for the match. The team’s lineup includes Thibaut Courtois in goal, with Mendy and Tchouaméni anchoring the defense. Mbappé will spearhead the attack alongside Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo.

Brest’s qualification for the Champions League playoffs marks a historic achievement for the club. With four wins, one draw, and two losses in the group stage, they have already surpassed expectations. A win against Real Madrid could see them advance to the round of 16, earning an additional €11 million.

“We’ve already achieved something incredible,” said Brest coach Eric Roy. “Facing Real Madrid is a dream, but we’re here to compete.”

The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for crucial points in the final group stage fixture. Real Madrid, a 14-time Champions League winner, will look to assert their dominance, while Brest aims to continue their fairy-tale run in Europe’s premier club competition.