The Champions Cup quarter-final match between Union Bordeaux-Bègles (UBB) and Munster Rugby took place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Stade Chaban-Delmas in Bordeaux. In a thrilling encounter, UBB secured a 47-29 victory, marking their first progression to the semi-finals since 2021. The atmosphere was electric as fans filled the stadium, eager to witness this historic clash.
UBB entered the match as favorites, having demonstrated exceptional form throughout the pool stages, winning all four of their matches, including a stunning 66-12 victory over the Sharks on January 19. Their strong showing earned them the top position in their group, and they continued their momentum by defeating Ulster 43-31 in the Round of 16.
On the other hand, Munster, a team with a storied European history, qualified for the quarter-finals after a narrow win against Stade Rochelais, triumphing 25-24. Known for their resilience, Munster posed a significant challenge for the Girondins, and the anticipation for the match was palpable.
The match kicked off at 16:00 local time, and it didn’t take long for UBB to make their mark. Just six minutes into the game, Damian Penaud scored the first try, setting a new record for the most tries in a single Champions Cup season with his twelfth try, surpassing Chris Ashton’s previous record of eleven. The score was quickly 5-0, and UBB was off to a strong start.
As the first half progressed, UBB continued to dominate, with Maxime Lucu scoring their second try in the 14th minute, extending their lead to 13-3. The Bordeaux side showcased their attacking prowess, with Pete Samu adding another try in the 25th minute, making it 20-3. The home crowd erupted as UBB maintained pressure on Munster, with Matthieu Jalibert contributing with successful conversions.
Despite UBB's strong performance, Munster fought back. Alex Nankivell managed to score a try for Munster just before halftime, bringing the score to 29-8. The first half concluded with UBB leading 29-10, leaving Munster with a mountain to climb in the second half.
As the second half commenced, the intensity of the match only escalated. Munster's Jack Crowley missed a penalty early on, which could have narrowed the gap. However, UBB quickly responded, with Jalibert missing a penalty of his own in the 50th minute. The tension mounted as both teams exchanged blows.
In a dramatic turn of events, UBB's Cyril Cazeaux received a yellow card in the 47th minute, followed by a red card in the 75th minute, leaving UBB with only 13 players on the field. Despite the numerical disadvantage, UBB displayed remarkable resilience, with Louis Bielle-Biarrey scoring a crucial try in the 78th minute, pushing the score to 45-29.
Munster's Andrew Smith scored a second try for his team in the 73rd minute, making it 40-27, but it was not enough to turn the tide. The Irish side was awarded a penalty try in the 68th minute, bringing the score to 40-22, but UBB's defense held strong.
With every passing minute, the stakes grew higher. The atmosphere was electric as the clock wound down, and UBB's fans roared with encouragement. Maxime Lucu's leadership on the field was pivotal, as he made crucial tackles and played a key role in maintaining UBB's lead.
The final whistle blew with UBB emerging victorious at 47-29, securing their place in the semi-finals of the Champions Cup for the first time in four years. The players celebrated on the pitch, their hard work and determination paying off in front of a sell-out crowd.
After the match, UBB's captain Maxime Lucu expressed his pride in the team's performance, stating, "We showed great character today, especially when we were down to 13 men. The support from our fans was incredible, and it pushed us to fight until the end."
Meanwhile, Munster's coach reflected on the match, acknowledging UBB's strong start and their ability to capitalize on opportunities. "We knew it would be a tough game, and UBB played exceptionally well. We have to regroup and learn from this experience as we move forward," he said.
This quarter-final clash will be remembered not only for UBB's victory but also for the individual performances that shone throughout the match. Damian Penaud's record-setting try, along with pivotal contributions from Lucu and Bielle-Biarrey, highlighted the talent within the UBB squad.
As UBB prepares for the semi-finals, they will look to build on this momentum and continue their quest for Champions Cup glory. The next challenge awaits, and with their current form, the Girondins will aim to make history once again.
In conclusion, UBB's journey in the Champions Cup has taken a significant step forward, and as they celebrate this hard-fought victory, the entire club looks ahead to the next challenge with optimism and determination.
