Guingamp bid to scale Hamburg hill

Having won the French Cup as a Ligue 2 side last season, EA Guingamp are looking to create another historic upset by ousting Hamburger SV to reach the UEFA Europa League group stage.

Great achievement
A 2-1 victory over Stade Rennais FC on 9 May made the Breton club the first second division team since Le Havre AC in 1959 to lift the French Cup. However, the UEFA Europa League play-off draw has not been kind to Victor Zvunka's squad, pairing them with last season's UEFA Cup semi-finalists Hamburg. Even so, the tie represents a great opportunity which they are determined to make the most of.

'You never know'
"We see the Hamburg game as a sequel to the French Cup final," said midfielder François Bellugou. "The stadium will be full. Our first aim is to enjoy the moment and give our all. It is not often a Ligue 2 side plays in Europe so let's make the most of it. We beat teams like Rennes and Toulouse last season but Hamburg are a bit better. However, if we play our best, you never know."

Bordeaux defeat
Defeated 2-0 by champions FC Girondins de Bordeaux in the French Super Cup, the 1996 UEFA Intertoto Cup winners are eighth in Ligue 2 after two matches – a win and a draw – as they bid to return to the top flight having been relegated in 2004. A bad start to last season had made the dream of a maiden cup success the focus; the distraction this term could be the UEFA Europa League group stage.

'Open play'
Guingamp goalkeeper Stéphane Trévisan, a former Olympique de Marseille player, accepts his side are the underdogs but expects an exciting contest. "Hamburg are the kind of team who like attacking, a bit like Werder Bremen," he said. "I think there will be lots of chances and plenty of open play. Hamburg are also strong physically. They are a great team all round."

Summer refit
Since May, Guingamp have lost star striker Eduardo – scorer of both their cup final goals, but now with RC Lens – yet new arrivals such as on-loan AS Saint-Etienne forward Sébastien Grax, experienced midfielder Lionel Mathis and Alain Giresse son's Thibaut have replenished the ranks. Coach Zvunka remains optimistic.

'Anyone can win'
Raised in Lorraine, near the German border, the ex-Marseille defender understands the German mentality and refuses to rule out the possibility of a shock resut. "As a Metz native, I know all about German football," Zvunka said. "They are rigorous and strong – it's like England but with less money. But as with any game at kick-off, anyone can win."