Bordeaux overwhelm Bath 38-26 to reach Champions Cup final in Bilbao

Key facts

• Bordeaux beat Bath 38-26 in the Investec Champions Cup semi-final at Stade Atlantique Bordeaux Metropole.
• Bordeaux will face Leinster in the final in Bilbao on May 23.
• Bath conceded a try after 110 seconds when Marko Gazzotti crashed over.
• Will Muir scored two tries for Bath, including a sublime diving finish.
• Louie Hennessey added a third try for Bath in the 51st minute.
• Maxime Lucu scored a try and a penalty for Bordeaux.
• Kick-off was delayed by 10 minutes to allow fans to enter the stadium.
• Bath's last top-tier European semi-final was 20 years ago.

Bordeaux’s early blitz leaves Bath chasing the game

Bath’s Investec Champions Cup campaign ended in a 38-26 semi-final defeat at Stade Atlantique Bordeaux Metropole, as an inspired Bordeaux side proved too powerful. The English champions were chasing from the moment their line was breached after just 110 seconds, a lack of outside defence exploited by Damian Penaud before Marko Gazzotti arrived to crash over. Bordeaux showed a ruthless streak in converting their chances, leaving Bath to rue a series of mistakes. Kick-off was delayed by 10 minutes to allow fans to get into the stadium, and Bath appeared caught cold. England scrum-half Ben Spencer was at the heart of the response, delivering kicks to each wing, the second picking out Will Muir who was presented with a simple run in. But Bordeaux struck again through Louis Bielle-Biarrey in the left corner, after a line-out drive had softened up the defence.

Muir’s double keeps Bath in touch but Bordeaux pull away

Alfie Barbeary was prominent as Bath pounded the home whitewash, but when they scored their second try it was through the handling of their backs and a clever run by Henry Arundell followed by a superb diving finish by Muir. There was no sign of the breathless pace letting up as lethal Bordeaux struck again with Maxime Lucu the scorer after the ball had been kept alive brilliantly as Bath ran out of defenders. The final act of the first half was Lucu landing a penalty to establish a 24-12 lead, and Bath were in danger of being cut adrift. It was crucial they scored next, and only an inaccurate pass from Finn Russell to Santiago Carreras prevented them crossing in the right corner. Bordeaux’s defence continued to scramble desperately, and it finally cracked in the 51st minute when Hennessey side-stepped over, ignoring the overlap outside him.

Jalibert and Bielle-Biarrey take control as Bordeaux seal victory

Matthieu Jalibert became increasingly influential, with Bielle-Biarrey also looking to seize the moment as the favourites cut loose with increasing frequency. Bath were hustling to good effect, however, and trailed by just five points with 15 minutes to go, even if they were under continued pressure. But Bordeaux’s power told in the end, with tries from Tameifuna and Matiu sealing the win. Bordeaux were worthy winners and advance to the final in Bilbao on May 23, where they will look to retain their title against Leinster. The wait for another Champions Cup final goes on for Bath, who were playing in their first top-tier European semi-final in 20 years.

Spencer proud of fight but Bath left to rue errors

Bath captain Ben Spencer, speaking to Premier Sports, said: 'I am so proud of these lads. We've come so far in the last three years. We put up a really good fight. We still have loads to play for this season.' The English champions made too many mistakes, and their discipline was questioned by some observers, who noted that Bordeaux escaped scrutiny for several high shots that the TMO did not review. Despite the defeat, Bath showed character in the final quarter, with Louie Hennessey and Carr-Smith adding tries to keep the game alive. But the damage had been done in the first half, when Bordeaux’s early tries gave them a lead they never relinquished.

Bordeaux’s path to the final and Bath’s European future

Bordeaux will now face Leinster in the final on May 23, a rematch of last year’s final which Bordeaux won. Leinster advanced by defeating Toulouse in the other semi-final. For Bath, the focus shifts back to domestic competition, with Spencer emphasising that the squad still has much to play for this season. The semi-final was a testament to Bordeaux’s attacking prowess and defensive resilience, but also highlighted areas for improvement for Bath. The English side will need to address their defensive lapses and decision-making under pressure if they are to compete at the highest level in future European campaigns.

The bottom line

• Bordeaux beat Bath 38-26 to reach the Champions Cup final against Leinster on May 23.
• Bath conceded a try after 110 seconds and were always chasing the game.
• Will Muir scored two tries for Bath, including a superb diving finish.
• Maxime Lucu was instrumental for Bordeaux with a try and a penalty.
• Bath captain Ben Spencer expressed pride in his team’s fight despite the loss.
• Bordeaux will defend their title in Bilbao, while Bath’s European campaign ends in the semi-finals.