With traditional top teams resting, all eyes turn to an exciting match between surprise contender Brest and a rejuvenated Lyon in the French league spotlight this weekend.
After their thrilling 4-3 victory over Metz last week, second-place Brest has a chance to move closer to securing their first-ever Champions League spot, a remarkable feat for the small club from Brittany with one of the league’s smallest budgets.
“Seeing Brest second in the league with six rounds to go, not many would have predicted it,” said coach Eric Roy. “Not even me.”
With PSG, Marseille, and Lille busy in European competitions this week, the league has rearranged their schedules to give them more time to recover. PSG’s match against Lorient has been postponed to April 24, while Monaco vs. Lille and Marseille vs. Nice will also take place on the same day.
Brest’s impressive performance this season, with 15 wins compared to PSG’s 18, is commendable considering their smaller stadium and budget. Their recent victory against Metz equaled their best-ever win tally in the league, and they only need two points to surpass their previous record set in 1986-87.
Under coach Pierre Sage, Lyon has seen a remarkable turnaround after a poor start to the season. With 10 wins in their last 14 league games and a spot in the French Cup final against PSG, Lyon’s resurgence is huge. Sage’s positive approach, combined with strategic transfers during the winter window, has rejuvenated the team’s spirit.
Despite Lyon’s struggles earlier in the season, the arrival of experienced midfielder Nemanja Matic and the resurgence of Alexandre Lacazette have bolstered the team’s performance. With only six games scheduled this weekend, the stage is set for an exciting clash between Brest and Lyon.
