Montpellier Crush Ulster 59–26 To Win EPCR Challenge Cup Final In Bilbao

Montpellier produced a ruthless attacking masterclass to overpower Ulster Rugby 59–26 in the EPCR Challenge Cup Final in Bilbao.

In what was expected to be a fiercely contested European final, the French side completely overwhelmed Ulster with relentless physicality, clinical finishing, and devastating attacking rugby.

Despite Richie Murphy’s emotional call for his side to “fight with everything they have got,” Ulster simply could not contain Montpellier’s power and attacking intensity.

By full-time, Montpellier had lifted the Challenge Cup trophy in emphatic fashion.

Montpellier Dominate The Final

From the opening stages, Montpellier looked sharper, more physical, and far more clinical.

The French side controlled huge periods of the game through:

• Dominant forward carries
• Fast attacking transitions
• Clinical finishing
• Powerful set-piece play

Ulster struggled to slow Montpellier’s momentum once the French side began building pressure.

And once Montpellier found rhythm, they became almost impossible to stop.

French Power Too Much For Ulster

One of the biggest differences in the final was Montpellier’s physical dominance.

Their forward pack consistently won collisions and generated quick ball, allowing their dangerous backs to attack space at speed.

Montpellier repeatedly punished:

• Missed tackles
• Defensive gaps
• Turnovers
• Slow defensive resets

The result was one of the most dominant Challenge Cup final performances in recent years.

Ulster’s European Wait Continues

For Ulster, the defeat is another heartbreaking chapter in their long wait for major European silverware.

The province had hoped this final would finally end a 20-year European trophy drought.

Instead, Montpellier exposed the brutal reality of elite knockout rugby.

Despite moments of attacking quality, Ulster were unable to sustain pressure consistently enough to seriously challenge the French side.

Richie Murphy’s Side Showed Fight

Although the scoreline became heavy, Ulster continued battling throughout the match.

Richie Murphy’s demand for his players to “fight with everything” was reflected in the effort shown by the squad, even after Montpellier pulled away on the scoreboard.

Ulster continued searching for opportunities and managed to score important points of their own.

But Montpellier’s relentless intensity never dropped.

Bilbao Heat Added To Brutal Contest

The soaring temperatures in Bilbao created extremely difficult conditions for both teams.

The heat clearly increased the physical demands of the game, particularly during long defensive phases.

Montpellier appeared to adapt better to the conditions, managing tempo and physicality far more effectively across the full 80 minutes.

As fatigue increased, gaps began to open — and Montpellier punished them ruthlessly.

Montpellier’s Attack Was Devastating

Scoring 59 points in a European final is an extraordinary achievement.

Montpellier’s attack combined:

Power

Winning collisions repeatedly.

Pace

Quick support runners creating overloads.

Accuracy

Taking opportunities clinically.

Ruthlessness

Punishing every defensive mistake.

It was a complete attacking performance.

European Glory For Montpellier

Winning the EPCR Challenge Cup represents a huge achievement for Montpellier.

European trophies are incredibly difficult to win, particularly against strong opposition in knockout rugby.

This victory will provide:

• Major confidence
• European recognition
• Momentum heading forward
• A memorable moment for supporters

And the manner of victory makes the statement even stronger.

Tough Lessons For Ulster

Ulster will now face difficult questions following the defeat.

Areas likely to receive attention include:

• Defensive structure
• Physicality against elite opposition
• Game management under pressure
• Depth against top European sides

However, simply reaching a European final remains a significant achievement.

Why French Rugby Continues To Thrive

Montpellier’s victory is another reminder of the incredible strength currently present within French club rugby.

French sides continue to dominate through:

• Squad depth
• Physical power
• Elite academy systems
• Strong financial backing
• High-intensity domestic competition

The Top 14 continues to produce some of the strongest teams in world rugby.

Questions Fans Are Asking

Who won the EPCR Challenge Cup Final?

Montpellier defeated Ulster 59–26.

What was the score in the Challenge Cup Final?

Montpellier beat Ulster by 59 points to 26.

Where was the Challenge Cup Final played?

The final took place in Bilbao, Spain.

Did Ulster end their European trophy drought?

No, Ulster’s wait for European silverware continues.

Final Thoughts

The EPCR Challenge Cup Final ultimately became a dominant showcase from Montpellier.

The French side overwhelmed Ulster with power, pace, and clinical finishing to secure a commanding 59–26 victory in Bilbao.

For Ulster, the wait for major European silverware goes on despite a determined effort and a strong tournament run.

But on this occasion, Montpellier were simply unstoppable.

In one of the highest-scoring European finals in recent memory, the French side fully deserved to lift the trophy.