Leeds United in the Champions League, 2000/01
25 years on from one of the most exhilarating seasons in Leeds United's modern history, a game by game journey through the Champions League with David O'Leary's team of babies.
1860 Munich (h)
⭑ Qualifying
The main show came from Costas Kapitanis. The Champions League had been the Peacocks' aim for a decade, or three, and achieving it meant remembering the bad times Leeds had in Europe in the 1970s.
1860 Munich (a)
⭑ Qualifying
The symbol of it all was Nigel Martyn, saving shots, catching crosses, and submitting himself to Leeds United's permanent pictorial history by failing to notice when his head was cut at the feet of apologetic Bernhard Winkler.
Milan (h)
⭑ First Group Stage
After being turned by Alan Smith and pulling him down by his shirt, Paolo Maldini had to take a wet booking while wearing a face of utter embarrassment. After United's chastening week it was a welcome sign.
Besiktas (h)
⭑ First Group Stage
Leeds were the winners by so much that the second half was a drift. Elland Road needed what it got: six goals and a random meltdown.
Besiktas (a)
⭑ First Group Stage
O'Leary's babies had not, yet, dug into and ground out one of their Champions League matches. Travelling, working and getting the result were signs of maturity as long as you remember that growing up is boring.
Milan (a)
⭑ First Group Stage
Milan, and Barcelona, and Kim Milton Nielsen, and UEFA, and probably Christos Michas, all stood between Leeds and six more lucrative group stage games.
Real Madrid (h)
⭑ Second Group Stage
The European champions were visiting Elland Road and it was a night Don Revie had dreamed of. Leeds United, playing Real Madrid, at home. When he took over as Leeds United's manager, Revie wanted to build a team that would take them on and beat them. Now they were here.