TREBLE WITHIN REACH: BATH VERSUS LYON IN EUROPEAN CHALLENGE CUP FINAL

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May 23, 2025

Bath Rugby - Lyon 

Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

On Friday, the legendary Millennium Stadium in Cardiff will host the European Challenge Cup 2025 final, which promises to be one of the most attractive rugby matches of the year. Bath Rugby, leaders of the English Premiership, will challenge French side Lyon in the battle for the second most prestigious European cup. The English are going for a historic treble, while the French seek their second title in history.

Attacking machine targets treble

Bath are demolishing everything in their path this season. They have scored an incredible 625 points and 92 tries in the Premiership – more than any other team. In the Challenge Cup knockout phase, they added another 149 points in three matches. They have already won the Premiership Cup, which is the first part of their coveted treble.

Last week, Bath showed their strength against Leicester, winning 43-15 with seven tries. They also secured a home semifinal in the Premiership playoffs, which is another step toward completing the historic treble.

Finn Russell: Scottish wizard in action

The world's most creative fly-half is driving Bath toward glory. Russell, who has experience from the 2023 Champions Cup final with Racing, is the brain of Bath's attacking machine. His creativity and precision in key passes leading to tries destroys opponents' defenses.

Lyon: French warriors with Rattez weapon

While Lyon are struggling in 11th place in the Top 14 with three defeats in a row, they are dangerous in Europe. Vincent Rattez has scored a try in all three of Lyon's knockout matches and also in their last league game against Stade Francais. When Lyon score, it's usually through him.

Lyon have other trump cards up their sleeve. As Challenge Cup 2022 winners, they know the winning feeling. Arno Botha, a South African tank at number 8, brings the necessary experience. French physicality and typical Gallic rugby toughness could surprise Bath.

Contrasting paths to the final

Bath were eliminated from the Champions Cup after defeats to Leinster, La Rochelle, and Benetton, but they "awakened" in the Challenge Cup. Their demolition job in the knockout phase showed their true strength, which complements their current Premiership dominance.

Lyon, as defending champions from 2022, are struggling in the Top 14 but are like a different team in Europe. They are seeking their second Challenge Cup title, and their underdog position could liberate them.

Key battles

The final will offer several fascinating duels. Russell will face the Gallic toughness of Lyon's defense, while Bath's attacking line will clash with Rattez in the battle over who scores more tries. The clash of English speed with French power represents two different styles of rugby.

Historic context

Bath are going for their second Challenge Cup title after their first in 2008. Lyon seek their second Challenge Cup after their last in 2022. For Bath, the final could mean completing a historic treble, while Johann van Graan could win his first trophy as Bath's head coach.

The Millennium Stadium with its 74,500 capacity and closed roof will offer ideal conditions for fast rugby. The neutral venue will be closer to English fans, which could help Bath.

An open, attractive final with English rugby dominance is expected. Bath have the quality, form, and treble motivation. Lyon have experience and nothing to lose. Rattez could be the joker, but Russell's creativity and Bath's attacking power should decide the outcome.