The Gambardella Cup is full of surprises, and this year's edition will be sure to put a smile on the faces of those who enjoy a wink in the draw. Last season, Rennais and Guingamp played each other in the same round and on the same pitch. Stade Rennais F.C. won 3-1 with goals from Florian Truffert, Amadou Diallo and Nordan Mukiele.
It's a different generation of EAG players who take to the field on Sunday, a team billed as complete, capable of pressing, playing as a team and defending as a unit. Stade Rennais F.C. have been preparing for this clash after dominating Saint-Brieuc and Laval.
Building on fervour
« I'd say we have some big strengths in attack, we feel capable of creating situations and scoring goals, but we still need to improve in certain defensive areas. » presents William Stanger. Winner of the Gambardella as a player, the former midfielder is obviously building on what he experienced in 2003. « Without repeating everything, I can share what we experienced at the time, a group that lives very well, capable of responding to any scenario. This competition is special, and that's what I'd rather stress than anything else. ».
« Guingamp is a tough opponent, a complete team, and we'll have to be particularly serious.» says the Red and Black coach, who emphasises the importance of the crowd at La Piverdière. « The fervour and enthusiasm obviously galvanise the team». A new stage with the chance to clinch a ticket to the last sixteen.
While the Gambardella is reserved for U18 teams, the professional clubs involved in the U17 and U19 national competitions can draw on their two teams.
U17 Nationaux
Stade Rennais F.C., 5th, 8 wins, 4 draws, 5 losses
EA Guingamp, 6th, 7 wins, 6 draws, 4 losses
On 2 November, Rennais and Guingamp drew 1:1, with Yanis Aube scoring SRFC's goal.
U19 Nationaux
Stade Rennais F.C., 7th, 6 wins, 3 draws, 7 losses
EA Guingamp, 2nd, 8 wins, 5 draws, 2 losses
On 2 November, Rennais and Guingamp shared the points, 0-0.
EAG's Gambardella campaign
First round : CS Mainvilliers v EA Guingamp: 0-5 (0-4, 36th)
Round of 32 : AS Mulsanne Teloche v EA Guingamp: 0-2
Gambardella Cup
Stade Rennais F.C. / EA Guingamp
Sunday 9 February 2025 - 2.30pm
La Piverdière
