Shakhtar deal blow to Brest’s Champions League last-16 ambitions

Shakhtar Donetsk eased to a 2-0 win against Brest in the Champions League on Wednesday, denting the high-flying French side’s hopes of earning an automatic spot in the last-16.

First-half goals from Brazilian forward Kevin and Georgiy Sudakov proved the difference as the Ukrainian side won at their adopted home ground in Germany to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knock-outs.

“It was a fantastic performance from my team. I’m very proud,” said Shakhtar coach Marino Pusic.

“We played a very mature game and a fantastic first half. My only complaint is we only scored two goals. We controlled the second half, too, and didn’t allow them to come back.”

Brest were already assured of a place in at least the play-off round for the last-16 stage before kick-off thanks to their tally of 13 points.

However, just their second defeat in seven outings in Europe this term left them in 11th place.

“It was a magnificent match to play,” said Brest boss Eric Roy.

“There was nothing to lose and on the contrary (we could) go and win something fantastic, without any pressure, because… our Champions League, whatever happens, is already a success.”

Brest can still ensure direct qualification to the round of 16 with a top-eight finish, but will have to beat reigning champions Real Madrid at home next week to do so.

For Shakhtar, the victory moved them provisionally to within one point of a knock-out play-off spot.

Brest have been one of the revelations of the tournament in their debut season in the Champions League.

Going into the penultimate round of games, they sat above powerhouses such as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Manchester City and compatriots Paris Saint-Germain, but it was their unfancied opponents who took the lead.

Centre-half Brendan