Jamie George hailed the way 14-man Saracens ground out victory over Lyon to make it two wins from two in their Heineken Champions Cup return, but admits they also have plenty to improve on.

The three-time champions, back in Europe's premier rugby club competition after a two-year absence, showed their mettle by winning 28-20 at the home of the Challenge Cup holders.

The key moment was a length-of-the-pitch try with George supporting centre Alex Lozowski in charging out of defence and then putting in a perfect cross-field kick for wing Sean Maitland to give Saracens - who saw replacement prop Alec Clarey sent off with 14 minutes remaining - a second-half lead they never lost.

"It was a great result, that's what we have got to take away from it," said Saracens hooker George.

"It is probably another performance we are going to be frustrated looking back on it, but fundamentally it is a results-based competition. So while we are very happy with the result, we also have plenty of work to do.

"It is very hard to come here, Lyon are a great team, and when they get momentum they are really hard to stop. I felt like the crowd got behind them in that respect.

"We gave them opportunities with regards to giving them the ball with ill discipline. We gave them all their points rather than them putting us under pressure

"That is something we need to identify and work out and fix because it was very similar against Edinburgh last week as well.

"We showed a lot of character, coming away to France is always very difficult, coming away with a win was huge and exactly what we wanted as well.

"I would also like to pay a massive tribute to all the travelling Sarries fans, they made a lot of noise so we are very happy with the result.

"We have every confidence in the group that we are taking steps in the right direction. This competition means a lot to us and we want to make a good account of ourselves."

The statistics backed up George's view of the game, Saracens coming out stronger in terms of possession and territory, while a 16-8 penalty count against the home side was also crucial in helping the visitors towards victory.

The win moved Saracens into third place in Pool A, well in contention for a place in the knockout stages and just one point behind the perfect records of Leinster and Exeter.

It will also give the English side confidence ahead of the return fixture at home to Lyon in January as they look to push forward in their bid to return to the highest levels of European rugby.