Brest take first steps into European football against all the odds

From the bottom tier to Europe in under a decade

SB29 took its first steps into European football on Thursday night, just nine years after it was formed from the ashes of the bankrupt FC Brest.

After comfortably seeing off San Marino minnows Tre Penne in the first qualifying round of the Europa Conference League, the French side was beaten 3-2 on aggregate by Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade in the second qualifying round. 

While the result may not have gone their way, it represented a significant moment in the history of the Brittany club, which was only formed in 2013 following the liquidation of FC Brest. 

A quick rise to prominence

Playing in the fifth tier of French football in its first season, SB29 quickly rose through the divisions and reached Ligue 2, the French second division, in 2019.

A third-place finish in Ligue 2 in the 2019/20 season saw the club promoted to Ligue 1 for the first time in its history. 

Since then, SB29 has established itself as a solid mid-table side in Ligue 1, finishing 14th in its first season and 11th in the 2021/22 campaign.

European adventure comes to an end

Despite a valiant effort, Brest's European adventure came to an end on Thursday night as Red Star Belgrade held on to a 2-1 second-leg victory at Stade Francis-Le Ble. 

The French side took the lead through Steve Mounie in the 28th minute, but goals from Guélor Kanga and Aleksandar Katai gave Red Star the victory and a place in the third qualifying round. 

While Brest may be disappointed to have exited the competition, the club can be proud of its achievements in recent years. From playing in the fifth tier of French football to competing in Europe in just nine years is a remarkable achievement.

What's next for Brest?

Brest's focus will now turn to the new Ligue 1 season, which begins on August 7. 

The club will be hoping to build on its impressive performance in recent seasons and push for a top-half finish in Ligue 1. 

With a talented squad and an experienced coach, Brest has the potential to be a surprise package in Ligue 1 this season.