Match Centre: Investec Champions Cup: Racing 92 23-12 Harlequins

Racing 92 23-12 Harlequins, Stade Dominique Duvauchelle

Harlequins began their Investec Champions Cup campaign with a 23-12 loss against Racing 92 in the French capital.

Playing at Stade Dominique Douchavelle due to La Defense Arena's unavailability, Quins delivered a spirited performance despite challenging conditions.

The game kicked off with Harlequins dominating early play. Their efforts were rewarded in the 10th minute when captain Alex Dombrandt powered over the try line from the back of a driving maul, giving his side a 5-0 lead.

However, Racing 92 responded quickly through a creative play involving a deft crossfield kick from Max Spring. The ball found Nolan Le Garrec, who finished the move and added the conversion to put the hosts ahead 7-5.

Quins continued to hold the majority of possession in the first half, creating near opportunities with Dombrandt's burst down the right flank and a held-up attempt by George Cunningham-South. Racing capitalized on their fewer chances, extending their lead as Wame Naituvi crossed the line just before halftime.

The second half saw Quins level the score early when Will Porter made a sharp break through Racing's defensive line to score, converting the game to 12-12.

Momentum shifted after Harlequins' Lennox Anyanwu received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Ibrahim Diallo.

Racing 92 took advantage of the extra man, with Le Garrec slotting a penalty and Max Spring collecting another crossfield kick to widen the gap to 20-12.

Despite Harlequins' defensive resilience, Racing kept their grip on the match. Another penalty from Le Garrec extended their lead to 23-12, a margin the visitors could not overcome by full-time.

Harlequins will look to regroup as they continue their Champions Cup campaign. Meanwhile, Racing 92's clinical performance sets them up as strong contenders in Pool A.

Team line up:

Racing 92: Spring; Habosi, Fickou (capt), Tuisova, Naituvi; Gibert, Le Garrec; Gogichashvili, Tarrit, Mazibuko, Palu, Sanconnie, Woki, Diallo, Joseph.

Reserves: Chat, Julien, Kharaishvili, Baudonne, Zinzen, Le Bail, Lancaster, Tedder.

Harlequins: Halfpenny; Murley, Northmore, Anyanwu, David; Smith, Porter; Jones, Walker, Kerrod, Lamb, Lewies, Cunningham-South, Kenningham, Dombrandt (capt).

Reserves: Riley, Els, Lamositele, Chisholm, Evans, Care, Evans, Beard.