Analysis The numbers behind the result
Doumbia's clinical finishing edges Brest past 10-man Le Havre
Stade Brestois 29 deserved their 2-1 victory, with Kamory Doumbia's first-half penalty and second-half strike proving decisive despite Le Havre's 56% possession and 18 total shots. The hosts' numerical disadvantage after Junior Mwanga's 45+2' red card tilted the game, though Brest had already capitalised on their superior shot quality — 9 on target from 19 attempts (47% accuracy) compared to Le Havre's 4 from 18 (22%). Doumbia's 12' penalty and 51' finish from Mama Baldé's assist (one of Brest's 14 accurate crosses) showcased their efficiency in transition.
Le Havre's late penalty from Rayan Fofana (79') was too little, too late, as their territorial dominance (56% possession, 5 corners) yielded only 6 shots on target including the spot-kick. The key difference was Brest's clinical edge: they required just 0.9 expected goals per shot on target compared to Le Havre's 1.3, with Doumbia accounting for 66% of their shots on goal. Stade Brestois converted both their big chances, while Le Havre wasted 10 shots off target.