Racing 92, thanks to its success acquired with forceps over Harlequins (30-29) Sunday afternoon at the Arena de Nanterre, at the end of the 3rd day of the Champions Cup, relaunched in the race for qualification for the quarter-finals.
After two initial defeats, the Ile-de-France club had little hope of being part of the eight Group A teams qualified for the next round, but their narrow, unexpected victory allows them to still believe in it.
It was Nolann Le Garrec, who scored a penalty in the 77th minute when Racing was then playing 12 against 15 following a succession of yellow cards, who saved his teammates, before a breathless end to the match.
The first period had started at a fast pace, with a first try from Ciel et Blanc in the 4th minute, signed by their center and captain Gaël Fickou. The meeting then took a more choppy turn, with a try denied to Harlequins by the referee in charge of the video, immediately followed by a good action, the conclusion of which was ensured by the Fijian third line Kitione Kamikamica, allowing the Parisians to take the advantage at half-time (14-3).
Upon returning from the locker room, Laurent Travers' men did not delay to score their third try (21-3, 41st), which was quickly answered by a beautiful ball carried by the English (21-10, 45th).
International opener Marcus Smith was then behind Harlequins' second try, signed by winger Cadan Murley (21-17th, 51st).
Subsequently, Racing was unable to take advantage of a clear numerical superiority after two yellow cards issued to Harlequins players, and it was the visitors who, at 14 against 15, finally went to flatten the net. goal, for a double from Murley, returning to two points (24-22, 64th).
Racing, undisciplined, then offered a penalty try to his opponent, allowing him to take the lead (27-29, 75th), to revive the suspense in the last minutes.