Bath Rugby’s pursuit of Champions Cup glory came to a painful end on Sunday as reigning champions Bordeaux-Bègles displayed ruthless efficiency to secure a 38-26 victory at Stade Atlantique Bordeaux Métropole.
Despite missing key backline players through injury—including internationals Cam Redpath, Max Ojomoh, Joe Cokanasiga, and Lions prop Will Stuart—the English champions matched the fiery French side for intensity and skill. Winger Will Muir was Bath’s standout performer, scoring two tries including a spectacular finish, while Louie Hennessey impressed with a crucial try in a centre role, and Tom Carr-Smith added a late score. However, Bath’s costly errors allowed Bordeaux to seize control and deliver the knockout blows.
Bordeaux’s try scorers were Marko Gazzotti, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Maxime Lucu, Ben Tameifuna, and Temo Matiu—each contributing to a comprehensive and deserved win that sends them through to the final in Bilbao on May 23. Their opponent will be Leinster, who narrowly defeated Toulon 29-25 on Saturday.
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The game got off to a delayed start but quickly intensified, with Bordeaux exploiting an early overlap to try through Damian Penaud before Gazzotti powered over for a swift 110-second score. Ben Spencer, playing through injury, sparked Bath’s response with incisive kicks that set up Muir’s try, converted by Finn Russell, leveling the match.
On several occasions, Bath’s defense was stretched wide, as Bielle-Biarrey and his teammates found cracks to exploit. Meanwhile, Bath’s second try came from a well-executed backline move finished superbly by Muir, who defied a tackle from Maxime Lucu. Yet Bordeaux struck right back with Lucu’s try from sustained pressure, cemented by a penalty to lead 24-12 at halftime.
In the second half, Bath narrowed the gap with Hennessey’s clever line break and tried to rally, but Bordeaux’s relentless defense and sharp attack proved decisive. Lucu’s leadership and Jalibert’s growing influence fueled Bordeaux’s momentum as they extended their lead. A yellow card to Bath’s Charlie Ewels for collapsing a maul proved costly, enabling Ben Tameifuna to power over for a vital try.
Though Tom Carr-Smith crossed late for Bath’s consolation, Bordeaux’s supremacy was clear as they secured their place in the final with a commanding performance.
Team Lineups:
Union Bordeaux-Bègles: Salesi Rayasi, Pablo Uberti, Damian Penaud, Yoram Moefana, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Matthieu Jalibert, Maxime Lucu (c), Matis Perchaud, Maxime Lamothe, Carlü Sadie, Boris Palu, Adam Coleman, Pierre Bochaton, Cameron Woki, Marko Gazzotti.
Replacements: Gaetan Barlot, Ugo Boniface, Ben Tameifuna, Cyril Cazeaux, Bastien Vergnes-Taillefer, Temo Matiu, Arthur Retiere, Hugo Reus.
Bath Rugby: Santiago Carreras, Henry Arundell, Louie Hennessey, Ollie Lawrence, Will Muir, Finn Russell, Ben Spencer (c), Beno Obano, Tom Dunn, Thomas du Toit, Quinn Roux, Charlie Ewels, Josh Bayliss, Guy Pepper, Alfie Barbeary.
Replacements: Kepu Tuipulotu, Francois van Wyk, Billy Sela, Ted Hill, Sam Underhill, Tom Carr-Smith, Tom de Glanville, Miles Reid.
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)