Historic Night: Brest Triumph in Champions League Debut

French club Brest made their mark in their UEFA Champions League (UCL) debut with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Sturm Graz, highlighted by standout goals from Hugo Magnetti and Abdallah Sima, BBC reported. This significant win was also Brest's first-ever appearance in both the UCL and European football, elevating the excitement among their supporters.

Magnetti set the tone midway through the first half by chesting down the ball and volleying a fierce shot into the bottom corner to score Brest’s first-ever UCL goal. His spectacular strike, which followed an earlier blocked attempt by Kenny Lala, energized the home crowd.

The lead didn’t last long, however. Right before the stroke of half-time, Edimilson Fernandes inadvertently turned the ball into his own net after William Boving’s cross ricocheted off him, drawing the Austrian visitors level.

Returning from the break, Brest continued to press, and captain Brendan Chardonnet narrowly missed a header. The persistence paid off in the 56th minute when Sima, after skillfully holding off defender Emanuel Aiwu, swiveled and confidently struck with his left foot to restore Brest’s lead.

Despite opportunities to secure more goals, including a near-miss header from Sima, Brest remained dominant. Their resolve was further tested when Sturm Graz’s player Dimitri Lavalee was sent off in the 89th minute after receiving a second yellow card, effectively reducing the Austrian side to ten men.

Playing at Stade du Roudourou due to UEFA deeming their home ground inadequate, Brest, undeterred by this challenge, finished their historic night joyously. Securing Europe qualification for the first time since elevating from amateur status just over 20 years ago, this contest exemplified a significant moment for the club backed by their third-place finish in Ligue 1 last season.

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