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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Michael Yokhin

From sixth tier to Swiss Cup final: Biel-Bienne ready for time of their lives

Biel-Bienne players and fans celebrate their place in the Swiss Cup final
Biel-Bienne players and fans celebrate their remarkable run to the Swiss Cup final. Photograph: Sipa US/Alamy

The Swiss Cup was established in 1925 and with the competition celebrating its centenary a remarkable story has emerged – a third division team has reached the final for the first time. Meet FC Biel-Bienne, who survived bankruptcy less than a decade ago, have problems competing with an ice hockey club, and whose sporting director injured himself while jumping for joy.

They come from a special town too. Biel/Bienne is the biggest bilingual city in Switzerland – Biel is the German name and Bienne is the French one. Until 2005 they were used separately until it was decided to unite them, true to the spirit of the community.

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