Saracens rule Europe once more after hitting back to beat Leinster

Saracens were crowned kings of Europe for a third time in four seasons after fighting back to beat Heineken Champions Cup holders Leinster 20-10 at St James’ Park.

A brutal contest in front of a 52,000 crowd ended with Saracens becoming the most successful English club in European Cup history.

And they did it the hard way, wiping out a 10-point deficit through tries by wing Sean Maitland and number eight Billy Vunipola, plus two penalties and two conversions from Owen Farrell.

Prop Tadhg Furlong claimed a first-half touchdown for Leinster, while skipper Johnny Sexton added a conversion and penalty, but hopes of the Irishmen claiming a record fifth European title were dashed.

Saracens proved unstoppable once Maitland touched down following a dominant Leinster opening, ultimately overcoming a yellow card for Maro Itoje to power home and taste Champions Cup glory once again.

England prop Mako Vunipola returned to action for Saracens after recovering from an ankle injury, but the twice European champions were without flanker Michael Rhodes because of a back problem.

Sexton kicked Leinster into a third-minute lead, but Saracens quickly stirred as their Wales international wing Liam Williams was twice involved in early action, making ground each time.

Billy Vunipola, who was booed most times he touched the ball during his team’s semi-final victory over Munster, again received jeers.

Saracens gave as good as they got during the opening quarter, but a promising attacking platform collapsed after skipper Brad Barritt was penalised for an illegal challenge at a ruck.

A poor clearance kick by Farrell then gave Leinster a chance to run from deep, and centre Garry Ringrose freed full-back Rob Kearney in space, but Saracens held out.

And Leinster struck while Itoje was off as Furlong crashed over from close range after the Irish side opted for an attacking scrum rather than a penalty kick, and Sexton’s conversion made it 10-0.

Farrell opened Saracens’ account by landing a penalty just before the break, and then they hit Leinster by scoring a try on the stroke of half-time.

Patient build-up play by the forwards resulted in scrum-half Ben Spencer firing out a long pass to Farrell, who flicked the ball on and an unmarked Maitland finished off, with Farrell’s conversion making it 10-10 at the break.

There was no let-up in the third quarter, with both sides going close, and Garces went to the television match official to rule on whether a Saracens player had scored by touching the ball against the post.

No try was given, but Garces sin-binned Leinster flanker Scott Fardy, and Farrell kicked the resulting penalty to nudge Saracens ahead for the first time.

But back came Saracens, with Billy Vunipola smashing through four defenders for a crucial try 13 minutes from time that put his team in dreamland and left Leinster reeling.