England five-eighth Owen Farrell upstaged All Blacks great Dan Carter by kicking seven penalties as Saracens won the European Champions Cup for the first time with a 21-9 victory over Racing 92 in Lyon.

Farrell inspired a Saracens team that was unexpectedly superior in all aspects and became the first side to win the tournament unbeaten.

In difficult conditions, both teams struggled to put consistent phases together early on but Saracens gradually took control of a physical encounter during which their French opponents were made to pay for their indiscipline.

“There was a belief coming into this game that this was our year,” Saracens captain Brad Barritt said.

Carter, who was hampered by a calf injury, was replaced early in the second half.

Johan Goosen scored all of Racing 92’s points by kicking three penalties at the Lyon stadium.