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French side Brest marked a memorable night by securing their first-ever Champions League victory, defeating Austrian visitors Sturm Graz 2-1. Goals from Hugo Magnetti and Abdallah Sima sealed the historic win for the Ligue 1 club.
Magnetti opened the scoring midway through the first half with a spectacular half-volley, chesting the ball down before driving it into the bottom corner. However, an unfortunate own goal by Edimilson Fernandes on the stroke of half-time leveled the match. Fernandes inadvertently turned William Boving’s cut-back into his own net as he attempted to clear the danger.
The decisive moment came in the 56th minute when Sima, playing his first match for Brest, held off Sturm Graz defender Emanuel Aiwu, turned sharply, and finished with his left foot to restore Brest’s lead. Sima had another opportunity to score but headed wide after a cross from Ludovic Ajorque.
Sturm Graz, appearing in the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2000-01, finished the match with 10 men after Dimitri Lavalee received a second yellow card in the 89th minute.
Brest, who have come a long way from playing amateur football two decades ago, are playing their home Champions League matches at Stade du Roudourou, Guingamp’s home ground, due to UEFA deeming their own stadium unsuitable for the competition. This victory is a significant milestone for the club, which qualified for Europe for the first time after finishing third in Ligue 1 last season.
