Leinster’s shot at European history was dashed on Saturday at St James’ Park.

Saracens emerged 20-10 victors in a brutal encounter to hand Leinster their first-ever defeat in a European Cup final.

The last four times the boys in blue had made it all the way to the showpiece final, they had emerged victorious.

The defending Guinness PRO14 champions now need to roll up their sleeves and go again this coming weekend as the Final Series continues on the domestic front.

Leinster face perennial provincial rivals Munster at the RDS on Saturday, looking to book their spot back in the league final at Celtic Park.

But if the history books are anything to go by, then Leo Cullen’s men will need to guard against a European hangover.

Their record after their four previous European finals, even they won each one, does not make for particularly pretty reading.

2018

Last year, Leinster claimed a fourth European crown with a last-gasp 15-12 win over Racing 92 in Bilbao.

They had to dig so deep to secure that victory and it showed a week later when they against hosted Munster in the semi-final at the RDS.

Leo Cullen’s men, chasing the double, surged into an early lead thanks to Jack Conan’s try – created by the irrepressible James Lowe.