Bordeaux-Bègles Overcome Bath 38-26 to Set Up Champions Cup Final with Leinster

Key facts

• Bordeaux-Bègles beat Bath 38-26 in the Champions Cup semi-final at Stade Atlantique Bordeaux Métropole.
• The final will be played in Bilbao on 23 May against Leinster, who defeated Toulon in the other semi-final.
• Kick-off was delayed by 10 minutes to allow fans to enter the stadium.
• Bath conceded a try after just 110 seconds when Marko Gazzotti crashed over following a Damian Penaud break.
• Will Muir scored two tries for Bath, one a sublime diving finish, and Louie Hennessey added a third.
• Bordeaux's tries came from Gazzotti, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Maxime Lucu, Ben Tameifuna, and Seta Tuicuvu (Matiu).
• Bath captain Ben Spencer 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.'
• Bordeaux were worthy winners but faced criticism for high tackles that went unpunished by the TMO.

Bordeaux's Early Blitz Sets the Tone

Bordeaux-Bègles struck first and fast, breaching Bath's line after just 110 seconds. Damian Penaud exploited a gap in the outside defence before offloading to Marko Gazzotti, who crashed over for the opening try. The early score set a breathless pace that would define the first half. Bath responded through their scrum-half Ben Spencer, whose pinpoint kicks to each wing created opportunities. The second kick picked out Will Muir, who ran in a simple try to level the scores. But Bordeaux struck again almost immediately, Louis Bielle-Biarrey touching down in the left corner after a line-out drive had softened the defence.

Muir's Brilliance Keeps Bath in Touch

Bath's second try came through the handling of their backs, with Henry Arundell making a clever run before Muir produced a superb diving finish. The try showcased Bath's attacking potential, but Bordeaux's response was swift and lethal. Maxime Lucu scored after the ball was kept alive brilliantly, leaving Bath with too few defenders. Lucu added a penalty just before half-time to give Bordeaux a 24-12 lead. Bath were in danger of being cut adrift, but they remained within striking distance thanks to Muir's two tries and a growing sense that the game was not yet decided.

Second-Half Fightback Falls Short

Bath needed to score next after the interval, but an inaccurate pass from Finn Russell to Santiago Carreras prevented them from crossing in the right corner. The miss proved costly as Bordeaux's defence scrambled desperately. In the 51st minute, Louie Hennessey side-stepped over for Bath's third try, ignoring the overlap outside him to keep the game alive. With 15 minutes remaining, Bath trailed by just five points, but they were under constant pressure. Bordeaux's Matthieu Jalibert grew increasingly influential, and Bielle-Biarrey looked to seize the moment as the favourites cut loose with increasing frequency. Bath hustled effectively but could not close the gap.

Bordeaux's Power and Precision Prevail

Bordeaux's tries in the second half came from Ben Tameifuna and Seta Tuicuvu (listed as Matiu), sealing a 38-26 victory. The defending champions showed a ruthless streak in converting their chances, while Bath made too many mistakes to sustain their challenge. Bordeaux advance to the final in Bilbao on 23 May, where they will face Leinster, who beat Toulon in the other semi-final. Bath's wait for a first European final in 20 years continues. Despite the defeat, captain Ben Spencer expressed pride in his team's progress over the last three seasons. 'We still have loads to play for this season,' he said, looking ahead to domestic commitments.

Controversy Over High Tackles Lingers

Bordeaux's victory was not without controversy. Several high tackles went unpunished, leading to criticism from observers who felt the TMO should have intervened. One comment noted that Bordeaux were 'very lucky to avoid any repercussions for some of those high shots.' Another accused Bath players of feigning head injuries and begging for reviews, arguing that their rugby was good enough to do the talking. The debate over the officiating will likely continue in the aftermath, but it does not diminish Bordeaux's achievement in reaching a second consecutive final. The French side will now prepare for a showdown with Leinster, a team they know well from previous encounters.

What Lies Ahead for Both Sides

Bordeaux will face Leinster in Bilbao on 23 May, aiming to retain the Champions Cup they won last season. Leinster, who dispatched Toulon in the other semi-final, will provide a formidable challenge. The match promises to be a clash of styles: Bordeaux's attacking flair against Leinster's structured power. For Bath, the focus shifts back to domestic rugby. They remain in contention for the Premiership title and have a chance to end the season with silverware. The semi-final defeat, while painful, demonstrated that they can compete with Europe's elite. The question now is whether they can build on this performance and end their long wait for a European final.

The bottom line

• Bordeaux-Bègles beat Bath 38-26 to reach the Champions Cup final, where they will face Leinster on 23 May in Bilbao.
• Bath's 20-year absence from a European final continues despite a spirited fightback led by Will Muir's two tries.
• Kick-off was delayed by 10 minutes due to fan entry issues, and Bath conceded a try after just 110 seconds.
• Controversy over unpunished high tackles by Bordeaux marred the match, with calls for TMO review.
• Bath captain Ben Spencer expressed pride in his team's progress and vowed to focus on the remainder of the season.
• Bordeaux will aim to retain their title against Leinster, who defeated Toulon in the other semi-final.