The three-time European champions fell to a fourth defeat in the Challenge Cup’s showpiece game, going down 30-12 to their TOP 14 rivals at Stade Vélodrome.

Azéma acknowledged that Lyon produced a scintillating display in Marseille, and that is side were second best in several aspects of the game.

“It must be acknowledged that Lyon had a very good performance,” he said. “They didn't give us any spaces.

“They attacked us constantly, in all areas of the game, whether in front, behind, in the foot game, the occupation. We were constantly late.

“We have been less dominant in the bitterness that we can put into the fight. Rugby is a game of pressure, you either exert it or you suffer it.

“Tonight (Friday), we suffered it. When you're a competitor, you can't be satisfied with that. It's frustrating because the trip was beautiful but the end is hard.”

Captain Charles Ollivon also conceded that Toulon failed deliver in the final, with Lyon setting the tone early on through Baptiste Couilloud’s try.

“We never really got into that final. We were jostled in attack, in defense. I do not have an area to come out of. Physically, we were also a tone below.

“That's why we didn't manage to regain the upper hand even though we reacted after the first try. Today (Friday), we didn't deserve to win. But we would have liked to have another end.”

RC Toulon head coach Franck Azéma admitted his side were soundly beaten in Friday’s EPCR Challenge Cup final against Lyon.