11 August 2009, 10:48 am

Top 14 champions Perpignan are hoping that qualification through the Pool stages of the Heineken Cup could lead to a historic knock-out match in Barcelona.

The Catalan club ended a 44 year-gap by lifting the “Bouclier de Brennus” last season and have now set their sight on European success.

Speaking to Midi Olympique, Perpignan’s chairman Paul Goze said USAP were looking forward to a thrilling European campaign this season:

“Last season we won the TOP 14 Orange and I think the club is getting mentally stronger. If we qualify for the Heineken Cup quarter-final or semi-finals we might be able to host a game in Barcelona. In the South of Catalan region people are very interested in the Heineken Cup in particular because of their soccer culture and the importance placed in the European Cups, said the chairman.

The French championship returns for business this weekend with USAP hosting Bayonne while their European campaign kicks-off on Saturday 10 October with Perpignan travelling to Treviso in the Pool 1 opener.

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