In a gripping Champions Cup opener, La Rochelle held on to defeat Bath 21-16 despite challenging weather conditions from Storm Darragh. La Rochelle scored three tries in the first half, with Bath mounting a strong comeback after the break, led by Tom Dunn and Quinn Roux. However, a key penalty from Ihaia West and a crucial turnover by Levani Botia sealed the victory for La Rochelle. Bath next faces Italian side Benetton while La Rochelle will play against Bristol Bears.