2020/21 pool stage: Montpellier Hérault Rugby 31 Benetton Rugby 25

Benetton fell just short of a maiden EPCR semi-final three years ago as Benoit Paillaugue inspired Montpellier to victory at the GGL Stadium.

Having overcome Agen in the Round of 16, Benetton faced a sterner French test in the last eight but very nearly pulled off a surprise win.

The Treviso-based side were well in contention at the break thanks to five penalties from Paolo Garbisi, though Montpellier held a 21-15 advantage thanks to a try and two penalties from Paillaugue, plus a Paul Willemse score and an Anthony Bouthier drop-goal.

Benetton would then wrestle control following the restart as Garbisi went over and converted, but Montpellier hit back through Paillaugue’s second dot down on 54 minutes.

The scrum-half's extras and penalty shortly after opened up a nine-point gap, and although Tommy Allan’s strike reduced the deficit for Benetton with 20 minutes to go and Montpellier’s Yacouba Camara was sin-binned late on, the hosts held on for victory and went on to lift the trophy.

Benetton Rugby reached the EPCR Challenge Cup semi-finals for the first time last season, but their previous best showing came in the 2020/21 season when they set up a quarter-final with Montpellier Hérault Rugby, who they will host in Round 4 in 2023/24.