Most teams that visit the den of unbeaten opponents in the EuroLeague Women don't come away smiling, but a long trip to Russian juggernauts UMMC Ekaterinburg strikes no fear into Bourges.

The French giants (4-4), one of the proudest clubs in all of Europe, pushed Ekaterinburg (8-0) to the limit at home in their first meeting before falling 57-56 at home.

Celine Dumerc was a big reason Bourges nearly came away with a win at home.

The Russian team fought back from a five-point deficit at the start of the fourth quarter.

"We stayed with Ekaterinburg in our previous game, hence it proves that we can play against them and look at them eye-to-eye," Pierre Vincent, the Bourges coach, said.

"We must make sure that we show that again.

"The final result was frustrating. We didn't merit the defeat considering what we produced."

Celine Dumerc, the French international point guard, missed the team's first two EuroLeague games with a foot injury but played 17 minutes against Ekaterinburg.

"We played a great game with a Celine Dumerc who had just returned to the competition," Vincent said.

Ekaterinburg are one of just three teams that are still undefeated in Europe, with CSKA Moscow and Ros Casares the others.

The stakes are high for Bourges who are trying to finish second in the group.

Wisla Can-Pack Krakow are one win better off.

"We will come as outsiders and it's the easiest position," Vincent said. "We have nothing to lose. We have a chance.

"We will still have to beat Wisla Can-Pack Krakow, who are a good team, but it's clear the game against Ekaterinburg is more difficult.

"Of course, we are aware that a second-place finish would see us gain home court advantage in the eighth-finals which is a big advantage."