That's more like it from the Northampton pack, winning a penalty at the scrum. That'll give Alex Corbisiero and co plenty of cause for optimism after that earlier blip.

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Former Northampton Saints team manager and player Lennie Newman: "These first 15 minutes are so important. So far, so good. I'm not too concerned about the three points."

This has been a strong start from Clermont, moving the ball through the phases on halfway. Now Wesley Fofana gets across the gainline - but Northampton have turned it over and earned the put-in at the scrum. Decent defence under pressure from Saints.

And the Australian splits the posts with ease to put the Top 14 hosts in front. First blood to Clermont.

A first scrum of the evening after Jamie Elliott's knock forward. And that's not the most encouraging start for the Premiership side either, who give away a penalty and hand Brock James an early shot at goal.

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Former Northampton Saints team manager and player Lennie Newman: "I don't think you'll hear the Saints fans in this atmosphere. This is the wow factor. This is what the step below international rugby is all about. It's absolutely awesome."

A first look at Saints hooker Dylan Hartley at the line-out, and he successfully picks out Tom Wood to get Northampton up and running. A good start here will be absolutely crucial for Jim Mallinder's side, you'd have thought.

Northampton fly-half Stephen Myler gets us under way, Benjamin Kayser gathers under the high ball and Brock James thumps a clearance to halfway.

Here come the two teams. Clermont decked out all in white, Northampton Saints in their black European change strip. The supporters around the Stade Marcel Michelin hold up yellow placards to welcome their heroes. Kick off is moments away.

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

And, as with our first match, you can listen to live commentary of Clermont v Northampton on both BBC Radio 5 live sports extra and BBC Radio Northampton by clicking the 'Live Coverage' tab at the top of this page.

Your input is still very welcome as we head towards our second quarter-final. Can Northampton Saints succeed where Bath failed and ensure the English Premiership is represented in the Champions Cup last four?

Tweet us your thoughts using the hashtag #bbcrugby,, external text 81111, or post a message on the BBC Sport Facebook, external and Google+, external pages.

Clermont and Northampton lock horns this evening with more than just Europe on their agendas.

The French side, who in 2010 ended a run of 10 Top 14 runners-up spots by lifting the trophy, are currently second in the table, level on points with the mighty Toulon.

Saints, meanwhile, are runaway leaders at the top of the Premiership and aiming to become the first team to win successive league titles since Leicester managed that feat five years ago.

So, perhaps defeat in this one wouldn't be such a disaster after all? Try telling that to the two bosses Franck Azema and Jim Mallinder.

Northampton Saints: James Wilson; Ken Pisi, George Pisi, Luther Burrell, Jamie Elliott; Stephen Myler, Lee Dickson; Alex Corbisiero, Dylan Hartley (capt), Salesi Ma'afu, Samu Manoa, Courtney Lawes, Tom Wood, Calum Clark, Sam Dickinson.

Replacements: Mike Haywood, Alex Waller, Gareth Denman, Christian Day, Jon Fisher, Kahn Fotuali'i, Tom Stephenson, Ahsee Tuala.

Clermont Auvergne: Nick Abendanon; Noa Nakaitaci, Jonathan Davies, Wesley Fofana; Napolioni Nalaga; Brock James, Ludovic Radoslavjevic; Vincent Debaty, Benjamin Kayser, Davit Zirakashvili, Jamie Cudmore, Sebastien Vahaamahina, Damien Chouly (capt), Julien Bonnaire, Fritz Lee.

Replacements: John Ulugia, Tomas Domingo, Clement Ric, Julian Pierre, Julien Bardy, Thierry Lacrampe, Mike Delany, Aurelin Rougerie.

Image source, Getty Images

If the odds were already stacked against Northampton Saints, the absence of George North won't have helped their cause.

The Wales wing will be out of action for the rest of the month following a series of concussions so Jamie Elliott comes in, while England centre Luther Burrell also returns to the Saints' XV.

Top 14 side Clermont Auvergne are going to have to make do without Morgan Parra and Camille Lopez, so Brock James and Ludovic Radosavljevic partner up at half-back.

But Jonathan Davies and Nick Abendanon will be familiar faces to British rugby followers - the Wales centre and former Bath full-back both start this evening.

Ah, yes, the small matter of Clermont Auvergne, unbeaten at home in Europe for the best part of seven years. This tie is actually just about as tough as they come.

Image source, Getty Images

Thanks Neil. We've got rather a lot to live up to, haven't we?

Northampton Saints, Heineken Cup winners in 2000, are back in the knockout stages of this competition for the first time since that stinging final defeat by Leinster in 2011.

And, having shrugged off their bridesmaid's tag to lift the Premiership and Challenge Cup crowns last season, they'll be determined to make their mark at Europe's top table once more.

Just the small matter of Clermont Auvergne standing in their way here, then...

One down, three still to go. If the other quarter-final ties are as exciting as the entertainment served up by Leinster and Bath then we're in for a treat. Next up? It's off to France where Clermont Auvergne take on Northampton Saints. Kick-off at the Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin is 20 minutes away. My colleague Brendon Mitchell will steer you through that one.

Ade Williams:, external Fantastic performance from Bath and so close to the win in the end. Congratulations to Leinster, great game.

Graeme Hobbs:, external Bath really should have won that though, so close yet so far.

Bath Rugby:, external A tough result to accept for Bath but, along with Leinster, they put on a fantastic Champions Cup show in Dublin.