Brest 0-3 PSG: Ousmane Dembele scores brace as PSG cruise past Brest, halfway through to Champions League last 16.

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Paris Saint-Germain stamped their dominance in the all-French Champions League playoff, defeating Brest 3-0 in the first leg on Tuesday night. Star man on the night, Ousmane Dembele’s scintillating form continued, as he scored twice to take his tally to 23 goals this season.

The match got off to a bright start, with Brest, in their fairytale debut season in the Champions League, pushing hard for an early goal. However, it was PSG who broke the deadlock in the 21st minute, courtesy of Vitinha’s penalty. The spot kick was awarded after Pierre Lees-Melou handled an attempt by Dembele.

Dembele doubled PSG’s lead just before halftime, when the French forward cut inside from the right flank and beat the keeper with a precise low strike, scoring in his eight consecutive match.

Brest had their moments, particularly in the first half, but were denied by the frame of the goal on two occasions. Abdallah Sima’s header struck the post from a corner, while Achraf Hakimi inadvertently hit the other post while attempting to clear the ball.

The second half saw PSG continue to dictate the pace of the game. Dembele sealed his brace in the 66th minute, pouncing on a loose ball inside the penalty area and sending a shot past Brest keeper Marco Bizot.

Paris Saint-Germain seized control of their Champions League knockout phase playoff with a commanding 3-0 first-leg win at Brest. The match being only the second time two French sides had faced each other in Champions League history and was dominated by a clinical PSG despite Brest also having their chances.

The result leaves Brest with a mountain to climb in the return leg at the Parc des Princes on Feb. 19, as the win puts PSG in a commanding position ahead of the return leg. Having narrowly avoided elimination in the league phase, PSG will be eager to advance to the round of 16 and potentially face either Liverpool or Barcelona.

A significant step forward this victory would mean for PSG, who have never won the Champions League. Despite their wealth and talent, the French giants have often faltered on the biggest stage. However, with Dembele’s incredible form and a strong team performance, PSG will be confident of progressing to the next round and even beyond.