Castres Olympique secured a thrilling victory over Lyon LOU Rugby on February 22, 2025, at Stade Pierre-Fabre, finishing the match with a score of 30-25 as they reverse their fortunes after trailing at halftime. This match marked Lyon's first Top 14 loss since December, showcasing the intensity of competition in the league.
The contest started with Lyon taking control early on. Castres struggled to keep up, but their defensive lapses didn’t deter them long-term. The first points of the match came from Martin Méliande, who nailed a penalty to put Lyon up 3-0 only five minutes after kickoff. He followed this with another penalty, extending their lead to 6-0.
Castres quickly responded, with Vilimoni Botitu darting down the flank after good work from teammates Jack Goodhue and Geoffrey Palis. He crossed the line for the first try of the match at the 14-minute mark, closing the gap to 6-5. Despite this resurgence, Lyon fired back with their own moments of brilliance. Beka Saghinadze capitalized on Castres' defensive errors, scoring to push the Lyon lead to 19-11 at halftime, aided by another successful Méliande penalty.
After the break, the tide began to turn. Castres came out energized, and just minutes after halftime, Rémy Baget intercepted a pass from Lyon’s Alban Roussel, sprinting down the field to score another try for Castres, inching closer at 19-18. This moment marked the turning point of the match, sending the Castres fans roaring.
The second half was marked by fierce competition between the kickers, with Jérémy Fernandez and Méliande trading penalties as the teams exchanged blows flexibly. At the 58-minute mark, Lyon's indiscipline cost them when one of their players received a yellow card. This quickly opened the door for Fernandez to clinch another 3 points for Castres, propelling them to 21-25.
Both sides continued to keep the pressure on each other, each seeking to solidify their presence both on the field and within the Top 6 standings. Fernández delivered again, converting another penalty late-game, taking Castres to 30-25. The Lyon squad was unable to regain possession during the final minutes, resulting not only in a loss but also significant frustration for the team.
Players from both sides showed their mettle, but none shone brighter than Botitu of Castres, whose dynamic play made him integral to their success. Fernandez, making the most of his kicking opportunities, left no doubt as to his importance within the game plan, contributing significantly to the overall success of the match.
Lyon, though defeated, showcased perseverance and the potential to contend moving forward; they departed with the consolation of securing a defensive bonus point, indicating their ability to stay competitive. The loss, nevertheless, stung after three consecutive victories leading up to this encounter.
This win bolstered Castres' ambition as they leapfrogged back to the Top 6. Ensuring their solid position as playoff contenders is imperative, and this match exemplified their superior determination and resilience.