Cardiff Blues got their Heineken Cup campaign off to the perfect start with a famous victory in Lyon, as they marked their return to the top tier of European rugby in style.

After 4 seasons competing in the Challenge Cup – the trophy they lifted in Bilbao in May – their return to compete with Europe’s elite was a long time coming.

However, fans could be forgiven for feeling apprehensive following a pool draw alongside two-time winner Saracens, Pro 14 Conference A winners Glasgow and formidable French outfit Lyon.

But Sunday proved it has been worth the wait.

In front of over 12,000 fans, the Blues produced three moments of brilliance to fight back from a 10-0 to shock the home side, the most notable of which being a 60 metre-solo effort from man of the match Gareth Anscombe.

https://twitter.com/btsportrugby/status/1051466472814518272

Not only did the three tries ensure the Welsh side left with the victory, but an 80th-minute penalty denied the French side a losing bonus point – something which could prove vital in the final rounds.

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Cardiff Blues captain, Elis Jenkins told BBC Wales:

“It’s a good start for us and we go again next week against Glasgow… we’ll see where we are after two rounds,” he said.

“We’ve just got to focus on ourselves and try to get better and better.

“It was a good step up for us today and it’s great that we got an away win, but like I said, it’s early days.”

Man of the match, Gareth Anscombe, spoke to Cardiff Blues TV:

VIDEO | MOTM @Gareth_Anscombe reflects on a massive victory over @LeLOURugby in the @ChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/n1SzQnHzZ0

— Cardiff Rugby (@Cardiff_Rugby) October 14, 2018

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Images c/o Cardiff Blues Twitter