The defending Ukrainian champion needed a victory to retain any ambition of making the top 24 in the league phase going into the final league matchday next week.

Although a huge goal swing may still be required, goals from Kevin and Georgiy Sudakov ensured it continues to hold some interest in the competition.

Kevin pounced on a costly slip from Brest captain Brendan Chardonnet to race away and score, with goalkeeper Marco Bizot then making a series of impressive saves before conceding a penalty that Sudakov chipped into the net.

Shakhtar dug in for the second half and was able to keep Brest at bay, with the Ligue 1 outfit letting a huge opportunity to climb into the top eight slip through its grasp.

Brest must now get a result at home to Real Madrid if it is to avoid the play-off round that Shakhtar is so desperate to reach.