Ulster captain Ian Henderson hailed the historic victory over defending champion Toulouse in Europe

Ulster won a historic 26-20 victory over defending champion Toulouse in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Champions League finals in France.

Robert Balukwon scored a hat-trick for the visitors as the visitors lead by six points ahead of the return leg in Belfast next weekend.

This is only the second time in more than 15 years that Toulouse has lost at home in the knockout stage of the European Cup.

And it could have been better for Dan MacFarland’s men, who boasted a 13-point lead before Roman Natamak stopped for a late turn attempt.

Toulouse also fell under the goal of 14 players when Juan Cruz Malia received a red card in a reckless aerial challenge against Ben Mokasem in the 11th minute.

Asked how the mood would change in Ulster after a memorable knockout win, Captain Ian Henderson said: “Fun, excitement and a little bit of anticipation.

“You don’t often come to Europe and win. Obviously, Toulouse is down to 14, but every now and then he almost feels like he has won two more with his fans which is great.

“It can be frustrating to make a try or two, but to come here and win and come home by 6 points is great for us.”

In the return leg next week in Belfast, Henderson told Ulster Radio: “We know it’s a huge challenge to support this now.

“The pressure is on us now and it’s low early in the game, I lost 7-0 and that progress is out the window.

“But the Ulster fans have never bothered us. We can’t wait for a full stadium to arrive and we all rejoice.”

In Emmanuel Miavo’s opening attempt, Toulouse led 7-0 on Malia’s red card, Balcone jumped and quickly equalized the score.

Thomas Ramos, who substituted Mivo’s attempt, scored two penalties in the 17th and 40th minutes to score the five-times world champion 13-7 in the first half.

Ulster took the lead five minutes later in the second half, when Stuart McCluskey broke and sent Balcowon into the second half of the day, Kony couldn’t turn.

Andy Warwick then indulged in a close shot to turn the score 19-13 for the visitors, before trying to intercept Baluchon brought 26-13 to 67 minutes.

A 13-point lead on the way to Belfast was a huge handicap, but French midfielder Ntamak switched his gear in the 80th minute.

Notably, it was Toulouse who chased away the winning bid in the final and Nathan Duke had to make a crucial shot to stop Thomas Ramos when he was threatening to go out.

The match will end with an impressive 26-20 victory over Ulster and the result will conclude with a great return match at Kingsspan Stadium next Saturday.