Toulon and Saracens clashed in a thrilling Champions Cup eighth-final on April 5, 2025, at Stade Mayol, culminating in a remarkable score of 72-42. The match was a spectacle for rugby fans, featuring an astonishing total of 16 tries and 114 points, making it the second-highest scoring game in Champions Cup history.
In a game where the lead changed hands multiple times, Toulon managed to secure their place in the quarter-finals after a rollercoaster performance. Facundo Isa shone brightly, marking his 150th appearance for Toulon with a stunning hat-trick, while Melvyn Jaminet added an impressive 32 points to the scoreboard.
The match began with a surprising display from Saracens, who scored five tries within the first 30 minutes, leaving Toulon trailing 35-13 at one point. The English side, missing key players such as Maro Itoje and Jamie George, capitalized on Toulon's defensive lapses early in the game. Tompkins opened the scoring for Saracens, quickly followed by tries from Burke, Hartley, and Gonzalez, showcasing the Saracens' attacking prowess.
However, Toulon responded with resilience. Jaminet scored their first try after a swift move, leveling the score at 7-7. Isa's first try came shortly after, followed by contributions from Jaminet and Alainu'uese, which helped narrow the gap before halftime. The halftime score stood at 35-27 in favor of Saracens, leaving the match wide open for a thrilling second half.
After regrouping during the break, Toulon emerged with renewed energy and determination. Isa was instrumental in their resurgence, scoring two more tries in quick succession, bringing his tally to three for the match. The Toulon forwards dominated the Saracens, and Jaminet continued to find the try line, scoring his own try and converting several others, including a key conversion that made it 72-42.
As the match unfolded, the Toulon crowd erupted with excitement, witnessing their team score a staggering 40 unanswered points in the second half. The Saracens, who had started strong, struggled to contain Toulon's relentless attack, culminating in a spectacular try from Tuicuvu in the final minutes of the match.
"Our start was not good. The defense suffered a lot, but we managed to correct it, and that's what matters," said Baptiste Serin, who scored a crucial try later in the match. Jaminet echoed his sentiments, stating, "We were too excited at the beginning but found our calm and started playing together, which was key to our success."
Looking ahead, Toulon will face the winner of the upcoming match between Stade Toulousain and Sale in the quarter-finals, scheduled for April 13, 2025. This victory not only boosts Toulon's confidence but also highlights the team's potential as they aim for further success in the Champions Cup.
With this match marking a significant moment in the tournament, Toulon fans will surely remember this encounter for years to come. The blend of individual brilliance from players like Isa and Jaminet, coupled with the team's collective effort, showcases why rugby remains one of the most exhilarating sports to watch.
As the players celebrate their hard-fought victory, attention now shifts to their next challenge, where they will need to address the defensive frailties that allowed Saracens to score so freely in the first half. "We need to be better in the quarter-finals if we want to go all the way," Serin added, emphasizing the importance of improvement as they prepare for the next round.
In conclusion, Toulon's remarkable comeback against Saracens not only secures their place in the quarter-finals but also sets the stage for an exciting continuation of the Champions Cup. With their attacking flair and determination, they will be a formidable opponent for any team they face next.
