Bilbao holds fond memories for Leinster and head coach Leo Cullen, but they will be left in the past on Saturday afternoon.
Leinster are aiming to win their fifth Champions Cup title but Bordeaux, the reigning champions, stand in their way.
Much has been made of the Irish province’s recent record in European finals.
Since winning the Champions Cup in 2018 in Bilbao, they have lost their four most recent deciders.
That includes three defeats in a row from 2022 to 2024, but they are back in the decider as they look to topple a star-studded Bordeaux side.
For Cullen, any memories, good or bad, won’t come into the equation on Saturday.
“It was a great day back in 2018 but it’s in the past now,” said Cullen.
“It’s a totally different challenge with a different group.
“Everyone’s worked incredibly hard to get to this stage and it’s amazing to be here now, but it’s going to be a serious challenge
“But it’s what we want, to be at this stage. So let’s try and embrace the occasion and make sure we try to deliver our best performance.”
