No denying Saracens gave their all, but in the end they were outgunned by a Clermont side intent on proving they are the best club in Europe.

Two years ago they were sucker-punched in the final by Toulon, who also beat Saracens in the 2014 final.

Toulon play tomorrow against Leinster - between them they have won five of the past six European titles - to see if they can make it three in a row.

Or will Clermont, the nearly side of European rugby, finally win the title that has eluded them so far?

Join me tomorrow for the second semi-final, until then au revoir.

...but Clermont safely claim the throw through the towering Sebastien Vahaamahina as he rises highest and the French side bang the ball into touch.

C'est fini, surely. Clermont's scrum wins a penalty and they bang it into touch - but although we are in the red time-wise we will have the line-out...

41,000 yellow and blue-clad fans pogo in unison in Saint-Etienne - the Clermont fans are a riot of colour and noise. Magnifique.

Saracens trying, trying to go from deep, Bosch ignores an overlap... and when it finally goes Brits has a defender right in his face and the pass to Ashton is forwards.

Image source, Getty Images

A spine-tingling rendition of La Marseillaise rings round the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard - Clermont's fans think they are going back to the final two years after they lost to Toulon.

Time running our for Saracens, they just can't establish themselves in Clermont territory.

Once again Saracens throw numbers into the ruck, but this time they infringe and Clermont have a shot at goal as big Billy is pinged for holding on... and James makes no mistake.

Saint-Etienne is en fete at the moment as Clermont's travelling fans dial up the volume.

Image source, Getty Images

Trying to shift Vunipola off the ball is akin to a mosquito headbutting an elephant - the big man doesn't even seem to notice as he stands his ground imperiously.

Sarries still trail though, they need to be playing in Clermont's 22, not their own...

So, where's your money eh? This is going to the wire...

Big carry from Wales Jonathan Davies, but when Clermont try to bully forwards round the fringes, big Billy Vunipola dominates the breakdown and wins the penalty.

Big, big, big chance - you feel Saracens must get something out of this... and the Clermont front row promptly folds like a paper napkin at the scrum.

Up steps Farrell... and he gets it - just...

I thought that had missed if I'm honest, but the replay shows it was good, clipping the inside of the flag on top of the sticks as it went through.

Big chance goes begging for Saracens. Nalaga shows all the finesse of a fridge as he spills the ball a few metres from his line trying to run out of defence, but Burger knocks on.

At least the Londoners have a scrum about seven metres from the Clermont line.

It was all set up by a tremendous run and kick from Saracens full-back Goode, looking classy with ball in hand as ever.

The defenders are dominating the breakdown at the moment - 6ft 8in Clermont lock Vahaamahina the predator winning the penalty there.

Owen Farrell is back after three months out with the injury he suffered in the pool game against Clermont earlier this year, Charlie Hodgson making way at 10.

Clermont are looking dangerous as they send their power runners into the heart of the Saracens defence but the breakdown work of the Londoners is superb and they win the latest in a series of penalties as they limpet onto the ball at the ruck.

The changes are being rung out there at the moment - among them Schalk Brits on for Jamie George at hooker for Saracens.

Image source, AP

That try has had an effect on the game like throwing potassium into water - suddenly the action is fizzing and sparking all over the place.

Image source, AFP

Class, and that's what we've come to expect from Clermont.

Damien Chouly gets things going with a big drive off the back of a scrum and when the ball goes wide Brock James produces a deft chip worthy of Jordan Spieth and France centre Wesley Fofana takes on the run and dives joyously over.

James adds the extras and Clermont lead for the first time today.

Ready for the second half? Then let's begin as Brock James does the honours.

Ashton claims, Clermont swarm him, drive over and win the put-in at the ruck. The Clermont fans are back in full voice 'allez, allez...'

This is tight. Will Clermont come alive? Can Saracens continue to put the squeeze on? Let me know your views using #bbcrugby.

Brian Mcquest:, external ‏Not impressed by Clermont so far, Saracens can win it