In a thrilling encounter at Paris La Défense Arena, Racing 92 edged out Union Bordeaux-Bègles (UBB) 36-31 on Sunday, March 30, 2025, in a match that saw both teams battling fiercely for crucial points in the Top 14 standings. With 15,220 spectators in attendance, the game was a showcase of tenacity and skill, but it was the home side that ultimately emerged victorious, marking their first win at the Arena since October 26.
The match started with an explosive opening, as Racing's Guram Gogichashvili scored a try just two minutes in, giving the home team an early 7-0 lead. However, UBB quickly responded with two tries from Pete Samu and Romain Latterade, taking a brief 12-7 lead by the 15th minute. The Bordeaux team, however, struggled with their lineout, losing seven possessions in total, which proved costly as Racing capitalized on these mistakes.
Racing regained control with a try from Feleti Kaitu'u in the 28th minute, putting them ahead 15-12. The first half concluded with Racing leading 18-12, and the momentum was clearly shifting in their favor. UBB's coach, Yannick Bru, made significant adjustments at halftime, replacing struggling hooker Romain Latterade with Maxime Lamothe to address the ongoing lineout issues.
As the second half commenced, Racing extended their lead with an interception try by Nolann Le Garrec in the 47th minute, which pushed the score to 23-12. UBB's Louis Bielle-Biarrey managed to score in the 60th minute, narrowing the gap to 29-19, but the visitors were unable to maintain consistent pressure.
Despite their struggles, UBB fought back late in the game, with tries from Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Arthur Retière bringing them within striking distance at 36-31. The tension mounted as UBB had a final chance to steal the match, but Racing’s defense held firm, allowing them to secure the win.
Racing's victory was crucial, lifting them to 11th place in the standings, seven points clear of Perpignan, who are currently in the relegation zone. This win also marked a significant milestone for head coach Patrice Collazo, as it was his first victory at the helm since taking over in February.
Despite the loss, UBB remains in a solid second place in the Top 14 standings with 65 points, trailing only Toulouse, who lead with 70 points. UBB's coach, Yannick Bru, expressed disappointment over the lineout failures and the missed opportunities that could have turned the game in their favor.
"We had our chances, but we need to be more clinical, especially in crucial moments like the lineouts," Bru commented post-match. "It's frustrating to lose when we know we could have done better. However, we will learn from this and come back stronger in our next match."
Racing's win not only boosts their confidence but also serves as a reminder of their potential as they prepare for their upcoming match against Perpignan in three weeks. The victory was a testament to their resilience and ability to capitalize on the opponent's mistakes, a strategy that will be vital as they look to climb further up the standings.
As the season progresses, both teams will need to address their weaknesses—Racing must maintain their momentum while UBB needs to rectify their lineout issues to stay competitive in the title race. With several matches left in the season, every point counts, and both teams are well aware of the stakes involved.
The match featured a total of nine tries, showcasing the attacking prowess of both sides, but it was Racing's ability to convert their opportunities that ultimately made the difference. With the Top 14 heating up, fans can expect more thrilling encounters as teams vie for playoff positions.
As the dust settles on this exciting clash, the focus now shifts to the next round of fixtures, where both teams will seek to build on their performances, learning from the highs and lows of this encounter.
