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.
But that the task looks complicated against Leinster, already qualified, in Dublin next weekend!
Especially if the Ile-de-France club, 8th in its group with 5 points, does not raise its level and does not show more control.
The first period started at a fast pace, with a first try for Ciel et Blanc in the 4th minute, signed by their center and captain Gaël Fickou.
Gael Fickou with Racing 92 against the Harlequins in the Champions Cup on January 15, 2023 at La Defense Arena in Nanterre © Christophe ARCHAMBAULT / AFP
The match then took a sharper turn, with a try refused 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 Ile-de-France to take the lead at halftime (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.
© 2023 AFP