The Exeter Chiefs held on to claim their first European crown with a thrilling 31-27 victory over Racing 92 in Saturday’s Champions Cup final.
It’s another chapter added to the ongoing Exeter success story, with the English Premiership leaders doing just enough to claim a historic European title just 10 years after they were promoted to the Premiership.
Exeter set the foundation for victory by racing into a 14-0 lead in the opening quarter, although Racing fought back to narrow the deficit to just two points.
The fiercely-contested clash continued to ebb and flow, but Exeter again looked set to again establish the ascendancy when they powered into a 28-17 lead before Racing then responded with a try by Camille Chat.
There was plenty of drama right until the final whistle, but a late penalty to Joe Simmonds ensured Exeter would come away with a heroic victory.
“The fairytale is complete! From Devon minnows to European giants!”
They’ve done it! @ExeterChiefs have done it! ?
Incredible scenes, what an amazing story!#ChampionsCupFinal pic.twitter.com/hrxUBYDU4T
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) October 17, 2020
The moment @ExeterChiefs have been working so hard for and waiting so long for ?
Champions of Europe ?
Sum up their #HeinekenChampionsCup season? pic.twitter.com/o2kJnaJ0IB
— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) October 17, 2020
“To have my brother beside me is massive!”
At 23, Joe Simmonds just lead @ExeterChiefs to the summit of European rugby ?
He was joined by his brother Sam at full-time who presented him with the man of the match award ?#ChampionsCupRugby pic.twitter.com/HJPB95afUO
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) October 17, 2020
“Rugby is an emotional game. We got our emotions just about right today.”
Rob Baxter was on the verge of tears before kick-off, so it’s great to see him with a big smile on his face as a Champions Cup winner ?
What a night for @ExeterChiefs! pic.twitter.com/f65RZ5FVO6
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) October 17, 2020
