Brest have been the story of the UEFA Champions League this season in many ways. The French side enjoyed a historic best-ever season last time out by qualifying for this competition, and to put their overachievement into context, their stadium doesn't even meet UEFA criteria.
Eric Roy and his team have proved that they are not a one-season-wonder by performing ably again in Ligue 1 and more shockingly, by guaranteeing a place in the UCL playoffs when many would have predicted them to drop out in the league phase without a win or maybe even without a point.
After a tough start to the season, as Carlo Ancelotti attempted to solve the puzzle of getting all of his superstar attacking players on the pitch at the same time, Real Madrid have settled and are now starting to pull clear at the top of La Liga.
It's been the same story in the Champions League, as they lost to Lille, Milan and Liverpool during their first five league phase matchups, but have now back-to-back against Atalanta and Salzburg to give themselves an outside chance of making the top eight.
Both teams are safely into the playoff round, but nobody wants that. They will be giving it everything to try and pick up a crucial win which may just push them into those coveted top 8 spots.
Brest vs Real Madrid Team News
Bradley Locko will be unavailable to Brest for this one, as Karamoko Dembele, Mama Balde and Jordan Amavi are also doubtful to prove their fitness in time.
Vinicius Jr is suspended after picking up an accumulative yellow card ban. Dani Carvajal, Eduardo Camavinga and Eder Militao will also be unavailable to Carlo Ancelotti due to injury.
Brest vs Real Madrid Possible Lineups
Brest will hope to name a settled starting lineup, suspensions and injuries notwithstanding, as they hope to continue their stunning form in the Champions League and pull off a truly historic performance against giants Real Madrid.
Brest Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Bizot; Lala, Chardonnet, Coulibaly, Zogbe; Camara, Magnetti; Del Castillo, Faivre, Sima; Ajorque.
Carlo Ancelotti has one major problem to solve and that is replacing Vinicius Jr as part of Los Blancos' front three. He chose to change from 4-3-3 to more of a 4-2-3-1 at the weekend with Brahim Diaz coming into the fray, as Vini missed out due to another suspension, this time in the league. He will likely opt for the same approach against Brest.
However, with the embarrassment of riches at Don Carlo's disposal up top, he could opt for several different options in the three behind Mbappe.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Valverde, Tchouameni, Rudiger, Ferland Mendy; Bellingham, Modric; Brahim Diaz, Endrick, Rodrygo; Mbappe.
Be sure to head back to Sporticos an hour before kick-off to get updated official lineups and other stats.
Brest vs Real Madrid Prediction
Brest will be inspired to make history but will surely fall just short against the reigning European champions and many experts' favourites to go back-to-back, Real Madrid.
Los Blancos always seem to turn up when it really matters and in Ancelotti they have a coach who has proven time and again to be able to bring the very best out of a team full of seasoned winners.
Prediction: Brest 0 - 2 Real Madrid
This one is worth a watch. If Brest pull off the upset, it will be one of the biggest in the history of the competition. Meanwhile, Madrid boast many of the best attacking players on earth and watching them play is always a joy.
Fans in the UK can watch Brest vs Real Madrid on TV or via live streaming with TNT Sports.
