Grenoble edged out Connacht in a thrilling encounter in their Challenge Cup quarter-final at Stade des Alpes.
A late Johathan Wisniewski drop goal proved the decisive score as the injury list took its toll on Connacht.
Matt Healy was the standout performer for the Irish province, creating three first half tries to help Connacht race into an early 19-3.
Everything the full-back touched turned to gold in the opening 40' as he assisted Niyi Adeolokun twice for first half tries, while his searing break from a kick return gave the Westerners the field position to score another through Robbie Henshaw.
Grenoble fought back and reduced the lead to three at the break thanks to the boot of Wisniewski as well as a five pointer from the fly-half.
Pat Lam's charges picked up where the left off in the second, with Healy scorching over for a well deserved try of his own after Bundee Aki's midfield turnover.
Shane O'Leary tacked on another penalty before they had to withstand a substantial period of pressure from Grenoble, which wasn't helped when Denis Buckley was binned for cynical play close to the line.
Connacht's resistance folded soon after as Lucas Dupont scythed through the defensive line to touch down and with Wisniewski's conversion it was back to a six point game.
Buckley's sin binning proved costly as Grenoble hit the front with less than ten minutes to go when Maritino Nemani dove over in the corner, with Wisniewski brilliantly converting from the touchline.
However, Connacht went back in front immediately as the returning Buckley repayed his team mates by winning a penalty straight in front of the posts, which John Cooney slotted over.
The drama was far from finished though, as Wisniewski kicked a drop goal to set Grenoble on the path to victory with just four minutes remaining.
Connacht couldn't muster another score despite a Fionn Carr break into the 22' as the French sides resolve failed to crumble.
Credit: Inpho/ James Crombie
Other Results:
European Challenge Cup quarter-finals:
Gloucestser 21-23 Newport Gwent Dragons
Harlequins 38-30 London Irish
European Champions Cup quarter-finals:
London Wasps 25-24 Exeter Chiefs
Saracens 29-20 Northampton Saints
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