Just a week after edging out Harlequins by one point on aggregate in a pulsating Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 clash, Montpelier were themselves denied by the narrowest of margins.

Maxime Lucu’s 80th-minute penalty secured a dramatic victory for Bordeaux-Bègles, who are now just two points behind in second place.

Montpellier, who will visit Stade Rochelais in the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals, trailed 14-3 at half-time, but looked to have secured victory after a strong second half.

Florian Verhaeghe’s try, converted by Handre Pollard, had put Montpellier 22-20 up with three minutes to go, but they could not hold on.

A try from Maxime Lamothe, plus three penalties from Lucu, saw Bordeaux-Bègles well-placed at half-time, Paolo Garbisi having opened the scoring with a penalty for Montpellier.

Garbisi and his replacement Pollard then traded penalties with Lucu before the dramatic closing minutes.

Montpellier Hérault Rugby suffered late agony as they slipped to a 23-22 home defeat to TOP 14 title rivals Union Bordeaux-Bègles.