Saracens will face Racing Metro in the quarter-finals of the European Champions Cup after finishing as runners up in Pool 1, despite losing 18-6 to Clermont Auvergne.

The Men in Black's superior points difference means Mark McCall's side reached the last eight as one of the competition's best runners up.

Camille Lopez kicked Clermont into a three-point lead after the Saracens midfield strayed offside.

Owen Farrell and replacement Charlie Hodgson both saw opportunities to level the tie missed before Nick Abendanon crossed for the game's first try.

Lopez added the extras to put the hosts 10-0 up.

Hodgson then got the first points on the board for Sarries before the break to reduce the deficit to 10-3.

Clermont Sebastien Vahaamahina was sin binned for taking a man out at the line-out.

However all Sarries had to show for their numerical advantage was a second Hodgson penalty.

David Strettle was then yellow carded after being adjudged to have tackled Abendanon late.

Vincent Depaty took full advantage to cross for the host's second try of be game, taking the game away from the Wolf Pack.

Morgan Parra kicked a late penalty to extend the Top 14 side's lead but Sarries had done enough to seal their place in the next round.