Final heartbreak in Bilbao - but how have Ulster progressed?

As the sun set over Bilbao on Friday night, it also set on Ulster's dream of lifting the Challenge Cup.

Montpellier did not just break Ulster's hearts but shattered them with a display of ruthless efficiency to win the competition for a third time, impressive 59-26 victors.

Nick Timoney's early converted try gave Ulster the perfect start, but Montpellier soon capitalised on mistakes to take a lead they would not relinquish.

Such was the power of the French side, they ended up scoring nine tries as Ulster's resistance wilted in punishingly hot conditions inside the San Mames stadium.

"It's a very difficult day. We came up against a real powerhouse of French rugby," said head coach Richie Murphy.

"They are right up at the top of the table and they had too much power for us tonight."

Ulster came out second best but there were fleeting positives, from Timoney's blistering start to a superb individual finish from the returning Robert Baloucoune.

But there were also lingering 'what ifs?'. What if Zac Ward's missed tackle did not open up space for Montpellier's opening try? Would things have changed if Harry Sheridan was able to keep hold of the ball as he fell towards the line, or if Tom Stewart did not overthrow on his line-out?

All small moments that played a role in the defeat.

However, in truth, given Montpellier's clinical edge and domination in the pack, it probably would not have made much difference over the course of 80 minutes.

As the Ulster players sank to their knees at full-time, the pain etched across their faces, they had one of the most difficult tasks in sport as they watched Montpellier lift the silverware they had craved for so long.

"If you look at where Montpellier sit and the teams they have beaten over the past number of weeks, they are one of the best teams in Europe," added Murphy.

"We're disappointed but we will get back together to have a look at it before we break up."

'A completely different team'

Twelve months ago the mood around Ulster was much more sombre than it has been in recent months.

But, ultimately, the outcome is the same as the province missed out on the United Rugby Championship play-offs and qualification for the Champions Cup. On top of that, their long-awaited search for silverware will continue.

Digging deeper into the numbers, Ulster finished 14 points better off than the previous URC campaign and moved from 14th to ninth in the table.

And reaching a first European final in 14 years is an achievement not to be sniffed at.

But it is the case of what could have been, both domestically and in Europe, that stings.

"I think we're a completely different team from where we were this time last year," said Murphy.