Northampton Saints have suffered a 20-11 defeat away to Racing Metro in their opening match of the European Rugby Champions Cup.

The home side made the breakthrough with just five minutes on the clock when Jonny Sexton converted Alexandre Dumoulin's try.

Stephen Myler reduced their advantage with a penalty on 30 minutes, but a further three points from the boot of Sexton gave Racing a 10-3 lead at the break.

Myler kicked over his second penalty of the match early in the second half as the Saints kept within touching distance of their opponents.

Sexton restored the French side's seven-point lead, but Northampton then looked as though they would draw level when substitute Phil Dowson went over in the corner late on.

Myler could not convert, however, and Racing won the game in the final moments when Marc Andreu scored a converted try.