Leeds United's European Campaign 2000/01 (Leeds United - Season Review 2000/2001 (DVD))

Member Name: Phil_S

Product:	Leeds United - Season Review 2000/2001 (DVD)
Date:	28/11/02 (1109 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Reaching the semi-finals!!

Disadvantages: None - it was that good!!

The season of 2000/01 proved to be the most memorable for many years. The main taking point is the teams Champions League campaign in which the squad managed by David O'Leary reached the semi-finals. Despite being draw in the 'group of death' in both the 1st phrase and the 2nd phrase Leeds managed to beat major european teams such as AC Milan, Lazio and Deportivo.



~Group Stages~

In the 1st group stage Leeds were drawn in the same group as AC Milan, Barcelona and Beskitas. Leeds faced possibly their toughest games in the group - Barcelona away. The result Leeds came away with proved it as they fell down to a 4-0 defeat.
But, as many critics thought that it would be the end of Leeds campaign and that the same scoreline would appear in every other game they played in the competition but Leeds soon proved them all wrong.

On a rainy Wednesady night Elland Road (the home of Leeds United) invited AC Milan. Leeds left it late but in the 89th minute Lee Bowyer struck the ball 30 yards out and it slipped into the bottom corner of the net!! Leeds United 1-0 AC Milan

Leeds were hoping to repeat their herorics of AC Milan against Beskitas at Elland Road. The match started off brightly with a goal after 5 minutes. Then the goals just flowed with them coming from all directions from Viduka, Bakke, Matteo and Wilcox. The match ended up 6-0 to Leeds united and proved yet another memorable night in the Champions League.

The next two matches were both draws with a 0-0 draw with Beskitas in Turkey and back at Elland Road a 1-1 draw with Barcelona. Leeds were seconds away from qualifying to the next group with a game spare but seconds from the end - after Lee Bowyers strike in the 1st half, struck in the 93rd minute to draw level. This meant Leeds needed 1 more point from their final game.

The final game in the 1st group phrase - away to AC Milan. Leeds took a 1st half lead after a header from Dominic Matteo
but AC Milan soon levelled the score after the break. But Leeds held on to make it through to the 2nd group phrase after clinging on to a 1-1 draw.


But Leeds 2nd group in the competition didnt get any easier. Leeds were drawn against Real Madrid (the then current holders of the competition), Lazio and Anderlecht.
Their 1st game turned out to be a 2-0 lose to Real Madrid at Elland Road but picked themselves up in their 2nd game.

It was away to Lazio and the game looked to be heading to a 0-0 draw. But Alan Smith, after brilliant build-up play by Mark Viduka slotted in the ball to leave Lazio shocked and Leeds in heaven. Leeds held on to another memorable 1-0 victory.

The next two games were against Anderlecht. The 1st game between them was at Elland Road when Leeds had to come from one goal down to win 2-1. The 2nd game verse Anderlecht was even sweeter than their victory against them at home. Leeds travelled to an away ground whos team hadnt been beaten at home for many years, but Leeds cruised to a 4-1 victory to spoil their record. This game, in superb sytle placed Leeds through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League with still two games to go.

The last two games of the group stages were against Real Madrid away - in which Leeds unluckily lost 3-2 but in very controversional style with the referee actually apologising to the Leeds squad for letting Real's 1st goal stand although the scorer had clearly handeled the ball.

In Leeds final match at Elland Road they looked to be heading towards another victory but in the 89th minute Lazio scored a late equaliser to make the final result 3-3. But Leeds had already qualified by now.


~Quater Finals~

Leeds were drawn against Deportivo, and the 1st leg of the tie was at Elland Road. In fornt of a sell-out crowd Leeds definetly provided them with something to shout about. Three goals from Ian Harte, Alan Smith and Rio Ferdinand gave Leed
s a 3-0 lead to bring into the 2nd leg in Spain.
Final Score: Leeds United 3-0 Deportivo

It was the toughest test for David O'Leary's side in their career, if they didnt loose by more than 3 goals then Leeds would be through to the last 4 teams in the competition.

It was a tense game, with Deportivo scoring early on. But their 2nd goal struck in the 2nd half but Leeds, thanks to solid defending from all the team held on to make it through to the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Final Score: Deportivo 2-0 Leeds United
Overall Score: Leeds United 3-2 Deportivo


~Semi Finals~

Leeds were drawn against yet another Spanish side, Valencia. Again, the 1st leg was at home but this time not as eventful as the Deportivo game.

The game at Elland Road ended up as 0-0 but both sides had many chances to open thier scoring but again, both sides had solid defending with many goal-line clearences.
Final Score: Leeds United 0-0 Valencia

The 2nd leg in Spain turned out to be the end of Leeds Uniteds 2000/01 Champions League Campaign.
Valencia ran out 3-0 winners but the game was not one-sided.
Valencia's 1st goal should not of stood as it was again, put into the back of the net by the use of a hand. But the referee allowed the goal to stand. It was sad exit from the competition but Leeds had done themselves proud.
Final Score: Valencia 3-0 Leeds United


~Overall~

Leeds United had only expected to come out of the competition with some pride in their game, and not even in their wildest dreams had thought about getting to the semi finals. Leeds have certainly proved themselves as a top European side who can compete against any team, and have certainly done everybody involved in the club of Leeds United extremely proud.

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