‘Exceptional, surreal’ – Brest celebrate historic Champions League qualification | OneFootball

Since their foundation in 1950, Stade Brestois have never competed in a European match. That will change this year after OGC Nice’s defeat against Paris Saint-Germain (1-2) on Wednesday ensured Brest’s qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Les Ty Zéfs are guaranteed fourth place or better heading into the final game of the season. Eric  Roy will be looking to ensure a final-day victory over Toulouse FC to lift his side above Lille OSC. Paulo Fonseca’s side, who currently occupy the final direct qualification spot, have the same number of points as SB29 but a superior goal difference (+2).

LOSC face Nice, who have nothing to pay for, on the final day on Sunday. Should Brest fail to overtake Lille, they will have to pass through two qualification rounds to reach the Champions League proper.

Regardless of the outcome, what Brest have achieved this season is historic. “Right now, we’re in the hat but we’ll really be in [the Champions League] when we have passed the qualification rounds. More seriously, it is exceptional to already be guaranteed fourth […] I haven’t really thought about the potential opponents, it feels surreal talking about it but we’ve done it!” reacted Roy in an interview with L’Équipe.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle