In a thrilling encounter that highlighted the true spirit of rugby, the Bordeaux-Begles secured their inaugural Champions Cup final appearance by triumphing over the reigning champions, Toulouse. This riveting semi-final saw Bordeaux emerge as the victors with a score of 35 to 18, thus ending Toulouse’s hopes of a consecutive title defense. The match took place at the illustrious Matmut Atlantique stadium in Bordeaux, where the electric atmosphere was palpable as fans rallied behind their team.
From the very first whistle, it was clear that the match would be a fast-paced showdown. Bordeaux made an explosive start with Pete Samu crossing the try line in just the third minute, setting a high tempo that would characterize the game. Toulouse, known for their resilience and powerful offense, responded with noteworthy tries from Dimitri Delibes and Pierre-Louis Barassi. Despite Toulouse’s efforts to maintain momentum, Bordeaux capitalized on their home advantage, exemplified by Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s dazzling performance, which included two pivotal tries. Bielle-Biarrey, recently celebrated as the Player of the 2025 Six Nations, played an essential role in elevating Bordeaux’s chances against a formidable opponent that had previously embarrassed them in the last season’s Top 14 final.
Bordeaux capitalized on their early lead and maintained pressure throughout the game. The momentum shifted notably in the second half, where Bordeaux introduced fresh legs in the form of replacements like Pierre Bochaton and Ben Tameifuna. These substitutions proved instrumental as they added vital tries that only widened the gap between the two sides. The Toulouse team, despite bringing their fighting spirit, struggled particularly without some of their star players, such as scrum half Antoine Dupont and full-back Thomas Ramos, who were both missed due to injuries.
Toulouse’s season culminated in disappointment as they could not replicate their significant performances from previous matches. Bordeaux, however, showed remarkable determination and skill, dispelling any notions of being the perennial ‘nearly men,’ a tag that had been associated with their past trophy attempts. The victory for Bordeaux-Begles not only marked a pivotal moment in their club history but also set them up for a thrilling final against Northampton, who had earlier upset Leinster in their respective semi-final match.
The final is set to take place in Cardiff on May 24, where Bordeaux will look to secure their first major title in rugby history against a Northampton team that has demonstrated its own resilience and ambition throughout the tournament. The encounter promises to be a spectacle, with both teams serving as underdogs which adds an element of unpredictability to the eagerly anticipated finale.
In terms of player statistics, Bordeaux-Begles had a match scoreline showing five tries, with Samu, Bielle-Biarrey contributing significantly, complemented by the consistent kicking of Matthieu Jalibert, who added valuable penalties. Toulouse’s efforts, while commendable, particularly with their two tries and additional penalties from Juan Cruz Mallia, ultimately fell short as they failed to consistently breach Bordeaux’s defense.
As Bordeaux’s fanfare echoes in the background and dreams of glory loom on the horizon, the stage is set for an unforgettable finale. The aura and excitement surrounding the Investec Champions Cup final reflect the essence of rugby – a game characterized by tenacity, passion, and the relentless pursuit of victory, with just one match left to determine who will take home the coveted trophy.