The crushing defeat of Stade Brestois 29 by AJ Auxerre (0:3) last Friday will have a negative impact on the team’s morale ahead of their trip to face Red Bull Salzburg. Although the French side already has a successful experience against Austrian opponents in this Champions League campaign, Salzburg's current form is much stronger than that of Sturm Graz.
In the first round of the Champions League, the Austrian club faltered in Prague against Sparta (0:3), showing weak defensive play (2.26 xGA). Although the team dominated possession (66-34%), they will likely play in the same style at home against Stade Brestois. After that setback, the coaching staff learned their lessons: victories over WSG Tirol (4:0) and Austria Vienna (2:0) were accompanied by a barrage of attacks, and in the last game, team leader Oscar Gloukh scored twice.
This season, Stade Brestois have already experienced several unstable periods — in eight official matches, they have suffered four defeats and conceded a total of 13 goals. However, the team managed to defeat Sturm Graz (2:1) two weeks ago, creating a significant attacking difference (1.70 vs 0.15 in xG and 14-7 in shots). The French side will continue to rely on a 4-1-2-3 formation, where a lone defensive midfielder struggles to keep up with opponents, resulting in defensive issues.
This round of the Champions League will begin with a spectacular clash between two attacking teams who are experiencing defensive problems. Red Bull Salzburg and Stade Brestois 29 will delight with an abundance of goal-scoring chances, leading to at least three goals being scored.
